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Tie-up with Apna Dal a decision of party: Nitish

Chief Minister's reaction is in reply to George Fernandes' criticism of the decision

Patna: Reacting to the criticism of senior party leader George Fernandes, who dubbed him as an ``autocrat'' over the decision to tie up with Apna Dal for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said the decision had the seal of approval of the national executive.

``The decision to enter into alliance with Apna Dal is an official agreement which was approved by the party's national executive after detailed discussion,'' Mr. Kumar told reporters denying that the decision was taken by him and a handful of leaders.

Based on the decision of the JD (U) national executive, party president Sharad Yadav took the decision to enter into electoral tie-up with Apna Dal after talking to the president of that party Sone Lal Patel, he said.

Mr. Kumar, however, criticised the reported statement of the Apna Dal chief that his party would have no problem in giving tickets to underworld dons Dawood Ibrahim and Abu Salem.

``After reading the news report I spoke to Sharad Yadav who said the Apna Dal president has categorically denied making such statements. The Apna Dal clarified the position through an official release on the issue,'' Mr. Kumar said, adding that he was also provided with a fax copy of the Apna Dal release.

The JD (U) would consider the matter seriously if such things occur again, he said. -- PTI

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