We had no other option: PM

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MARCH 8. The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today declared that seeking legal remedy was the only solution to the crisis created by the strike at the Korba unit of the Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO). Refuting suggestions that other methods to resolve the issue could have been explored, he said, ``it would have been too late by then''.

Responding to questions at a tea party organised on the occasion of International Women's Day, he said threats had been made to cut off water and electricity to the plant. Besides, there was a real danger to the plant which may have suffered irreparable damage by the striking employees. There was no option but to immediately seek court intervention, he felt.

Mr. Vajpayee also criticised the statements of the Chhatisgarh Chief Minister, Mr. Ajit Jogi, on the issue saying ``this is not the way for a Chief Minister to behave.''

The Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, present on the occasion, said the Chief Minister was free to do what he liked in such a situation.

Meanwhile, five central trade unions - AITUC, BMS, CITU, HMS and INTUC - urged the Centre to ``respect the feelings of the people and cancel the BALCO deal immediately''.

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