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Friday, Apr 14, 2006

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National

JD(U) to remain in NDA

Special Correspondent

Fernandes will continue as convener

NEW DELHI: The newly elected Janata Dal (United) President, Sharad Yadav, on Thursday said the party would remain with the National Democratic Alliance and former party president George Fernandes would remain the convenor.

Speaking to media persons after his return from Patna where he was declared elected to the post of the president against Mr. Fernandes, Mr. Yadav scotched all speculation about parting ways with the NDA. "I want to make this clear. We have been and will continue to be part of the NDA and our senior leader George Fernandes will continue in the post of NDA convener."

About Mr. Fernandes' reaction to the manner in which the elections were conducted, Mr. Yadav said he met Mr. Fernandes after being elected and so did Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Mr. Fernandes met the two leaders but did not attend the national plenary session held after the National Council meeting in Patna.

Immediate focus

Mr. Yadav said his priority would be to strengthen the party and bring into its fold all the old Janata Dal colleagues. His immediate focus would be on Karnataka and Jharkhand. After this he would concentrate on the Uttar Pradesh elections. Then he would work towards regrouping party workers and sympathisers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat tribal areas.

Asked about the "third alternative" recently announced by Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and Telugu Desam Party Chief Chandrababu Naidu, Mr. Yadav said, "We have nothing to do with them."

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