The Hindu : Cong. divided on alliance with Sukh Ram

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 09, 2003

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National

Cong. divided on alliance with Sukh Ram

By Javed M. Ansari

NEW DELHI JAN. 8. The debate on the feasibility of an alliance with Sukh Ram's Himachal Vikas Party (HVP), continues to rage within the Congress.

Opinion is divided, with the party high command still to make up its mind and according to party spokesperson, Jaipal Reddy, "No definite conclusion has been reached." A reference to the possibility of such as alliance was made at the CWC meeting on Sunday, though nothing came of it. However, the Congress has now begun to exhibit a more flexible attitude on the broader issue of alliances with like-minded secular parties.

The party's central leadership has so far not revealed its mind on aligning with the HVP. " Our decision so far is that we will contest on our own strength,'' the AICC treasurer, Motilal Vora, said. There is a vociferous section within the party opposed to the idea of coming to an understanding with the HVP. "How can we charge the BJP of corruption if we have Mr Sukh Ram in our midst," says a former Minister. However, given the position adopted by a section of the party on the issue, it is likely that the central leadership may opt for an alternative arrangement. With Mr. Sukh Ram unable to contest due to legal complications, it is likely that the Congress may have informal arrangement with some elements of his party.

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