Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051255851200.htm

National

Contest is between Congress, BJP: Ekantaiah

Staff Correspondent

‘Janata Dal (S) is out of the reckoning as it has lost credibility’

Congress rebels charged with selfishness
Ekantaiah vetoes their impact on the polls

Chitradurga: The former Minister H. Ekantaiah has said that the Congress party will face stiff competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and not the Janata Dal (Secular). He told presspersons here on Saturday that rumours stating that the Congress would be in for a fierce contest against the Janata Dal (S) in the district were not true.

“The Janata Dal (S) has lost credibility and status, and therefore, it is the BJP which the party has to watch out for,” he added. The Congress leader said the only intention of the party was to keep the BJP away from power, because, if it won, the party would introduce communal policies in the State.

He said the Congress had gained strength after many leaders had quit other parties to join its ranks. Asked what impact rebel candidates in the poll fray would have on the party, he replied in the negative.

Film producer and party functionary Rehman was present.