Date:08/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/08/stories/2005040807701200.htm

National

Party defends Fernandes' presence at BJP meet

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 7. The Janata Dal (United) today defended the party president, George Fernandes, sharing the dais with BJP leaders at its national council meeting here, saying, "he was invited."

The party general secretary and spokesman, Shiv Kumar, said today that Mr. Fernandes was invited as an ally and convener of the National Democratic Alliance.

"It is a done thing." Asked whether the JD (U) would return the favour and invite BJP leaders to its national council whenever it is held, Mr. Shiv Kumar said, "the party will take a decision on this." The JD (U)'s national executive is meeting here on April 9 and 10.

In answer to a question on whether it was "politically correct" for Mr. Fernandes to be seen at a BJP party meeting when JD (U)'s tie-up with the BJP was coming in the way of formation of a "non-RJD, non-BJP'' government in Bihar, he said the JD (U) had said it was not with the BJP on the issue of "mandir", Article 370 and a uniform civil code.