The Hindu : National : We will sort out issues with RJD: Congress

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Monday, Jan 24, 2005

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National

We will sort out issues with RJD: Congress

By Our Staff Reporter

RANCHI, JAN. 23. The Congress today said it would resolve differences among different partners of the UPA in Jharkhand soon.

The statement may seem unrealistic as the Rashtriya Janata Dal has fielded separate candidates in almost all the 24 constituencies for the first leg of elections on February against its alliance partners, the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and left parties. However, the Congress leader and Union Minister, Oscar Fernandes claimed that the UPA was an "undivided house" and refused to accept that its unity was at stake.

Releasing the party manifesto today, he stated that there need not be any worry about differences of opinion among alliance partners over certain issues in Jharkhand. Such differences were bound to arise in any alliance and they would be resolved soon.

Mr. Fernandes said negotiations were on with the RJD to reach consensus over the seats in dispute and the party would release its list of candidates soon for the second leg of elections. Of the 24 seats, the RJD is fielding candidates in 22 against the Congress, JMM and Left for the first phase. The last date for filing nominations for the second phase is January 27.

The State Congress president, Sushila Kerketta, said that by tomorrow a decision would be taken on the candidates. If the RJD refused to compromise and withdraw its candidates from certain seats, the Congress would take a tough stand to resolve the issue.

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