NDA, BJP slam Cong. stance on statute review

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 16. On the eve of the second half of the budget session, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the BJP slammed the Congress(I) for what they termed ``malicious and reckless propaganda'' against the Government on the Constitution Review Commission.

While the political resolution adopted by the BJP devoted some space to counter the Congress(I) arguments against the Constitution Review Commission, a meeting of the NDA leaders at the residence of the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, denounced the Congress(I) for misleading the country on the facts of the case.

The NDA convener and Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, who briefed correspondents on the outcome of the leaders' meeting, categorically ruled out reconsidering the Government decision on the Review Commission.

The four-page political resolution adopted by the national executive of the BJP at the end of its two-day session contained a no-holds-barred attack on the Congress(I) leadership and a warning to the Vajpayee Government not to be complacent about the possibility of another conspiracy by the Congress(I) and Communists to topple the Government.

``Every attempt by our adversaries to put us down has only resulted in the BJP growing from strength to strength. Those who sought to isolate us in Indian politics have themselves been isolated. The BJP, on the other hand, has broken the shackles of isolation to win new allies representing practically every region of the country and every section of our diverse society,'' the resolution noted.

Referring to the recent Assembly elections, the resolution said the example of Bihar has clearly shown that dissensions within the NDA has cost the alliance dearly. ``Let the Bihar experience remind us of the cardinal importance of a harmonious relationship between the NDA partners.''

Economic policies endorsed

The economic resolution fully endorsed the policies and programmes of the Vajpayee Government in the economic sphere and staunchly defended the recent price hikes and subsidy cuts. The national executive called upon other parties and people to appreciate the compulsions which have forced the Government to resort to price hikes.

The executive also set the deadline of June for the election of new party president as the term of the present incumbent, Mr. Kushabahu Thakre, is to end in the last week of May. It was clarified at the executive that the changes brought about in the party constitution stipulating a term of three years for the president from the lowest to the highest level would be applicable with prospective effect.

It would mean there would no bar on the present party president in running for a fresh term. Indications are Mr. Thakre is not inclined to continue for another term in view of his fragile health. A clear picture on the BJP president is expected to emerge only next month.

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