The Hindu : JD(U) leader quits

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 17, 2002

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JD(U) leader quits

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI May 16. The Janata Dal (United) general secretary and spokesman, Mohan Prakash, who resigned from the party's primary membership today may join the Congress.

Expressing disenchantment with the inability of the Janata leaders over the past decade to strengthen and carry forward the political stream, Mr. Prakash also criticised the present-day leadership of the country for failing to measure up to the challenges the nation was facing.

Mr. Prakash is the second office-bearer of a NDA constituent to quit his party over differences on Gujarat and other issues. The Samata Party spokesman, Shambu Shrivastawa, had quit the post after the party had backtracked on demanding the resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, last month.

Mr. Prakash said that those who were ``short in stature and heart'' could not be expected to meet the challenges before the country. " Atal Behari Vajpayee was elected Prime Minister by the people with a lot of faith but today there is an erosion. His word has lost its value and he heads a government of national shame''.

Till date, all Prime Ministers, even those who occupied the post for a short duration, tried to address at least one major national problem but not Mr. Vajpayee, he alleged. While farmers were not getting a fair share for their produce, consumers continued to pay a high price for the basic necessities. "This means that it is the middlemen who are benefiting''.

On Gujarat, he said the reaction of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to the events after Godhra was "more shameful'' and that India's image had been lowered.

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