Date:17/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/17/stories/2008061757800100.htm

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Congress-JD(S) deal on Rajya Sabha nominations

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Congress and Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal (Secular) have struck a deal on Rajya Sabha nominations from Karnataka.

The pact will enable the Congress to have two members from the State in the Upper House — one on its own and the other with the help of the JD(S). In lieu of that, the former will give an MLC seat to the latter.

The deal came after talks between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Mr. Gowda on Sunday night.

Announcing the candidature of the former Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, and mining baron Anil Lad, All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesman Manish Tewari said the understanding was reached to combat communal forces. He denied role of “money power” in Mr. Lad’s choice.

Both filed their nominations on Monday.