The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Congress keeps its options open

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 07, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Congress keeps its options open

Special Correspondent

Dharam Singh denies rift with Kharge on continuing in coalition with Janata Dal (Secular)

BANGALORE: Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh said here on Friday that the Congress is going to forge alliances with the Janata Dal (Secular) or the All India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD) in the zilla and taluk panchayats where no party has gained a majority.

Mr. Dharam Singh, who returned to Bangalore from New Delhi, told presspersons that the party High Command has left it to the State leadership to decide on the formation of zilla and taluk panchayats. After holding discussions with district leaders, the party will enter into alliance with either of the two parties. He said there is no difference of opinion between him and Mr. Kharge on the issue of alliance with Janata Dal (S) in the zilla panchayats.

Metro Rail

The Centre will clear the Bangalore Metro Rail project in a month. The Union Cabinet has directed a Group of Ministers to study the project and submit a report to it, Mr. Dharam Singh said.

The Chief Minister had a meeting with Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy on Thursday.

Cable-car

On the Government's plan to provide cable-car service at Sharavanabelagola to help the aged and disabled persons to the reach the venue of the Mahamastakabhisheka, Mr. Dharam Singh said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to send an expert committee to study the plan.

Reports refuted

The Chief Minister termed as "rubbish" reports in the media about replacement of Governor T.N. Chaturvedi. Mr. Dharam Singh said Mr. Chaturvedi will continue as Governor and he spoke Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on the issue.

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