The Hindu : National : Laloo assails rumour-mongers

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004

National

National

Laloo assails rumour-mongers

The CPI(M) politburo member, Sitaram Yechuri (left), addressing mediapersons after allies of the Congress had a meeting with the party president, Sonia Gandhi, at her residence in New Delhi on Monday. The RJD leader, Laloo Prasad Yadav, looks on. — AP

NEW DELHI, MAY 17. The RJD chief, Laloo Prasad Yadav, today reacted sharply to rumours that the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, would nominate senior party leader, Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of the new coalition government, saying they were spread by those who had sometime back circulated stories on idols drinking milk.

``Soniaji is the leader of all the allies and there should be no confusion,'' Mr. Yadav told reporters.

He praised Ms. Gandhi for taking the allies into confidence on each and every issue. He also commended the role of the Left parties in the formation of the new government but did not say anything on their decision to stay out of it.

Deploring the BJP-led NDA decision to boycott the swearing-in ceremony of Sonia Gandhi, he said it would not affect the government formation.

The Congress-led secular alliance was moving as per its agenda, he said. The RJD president said those who were talking of boycotting the ceremony should be ashamed of themselves.

He exuded confidence that the Congress-led government would be stable and complete its full term.

PTI

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