Allies ask BJP to censure Sangh Parivar at coordination panel meet

The disapproval of the Parivar outfits comes in the backdrop of escalation in attacks, allegedly by VHP and Bajrang Dal, which have been decried by the allies. BJP, which was represented by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and BJP president Kushabhau Thakre, was also a signatory to the statement which major allies like AIADMK and Trinamool Congress were yet to initial.

The joint statement also appealed to all constituents not to publicly voice their differences or opposition to government in the light of growing expression of their unhappiness with the government on policies and actions.

After the four-hour meeting, coordination committee convenor, George Fernandes, told reporters that the resolution had been sent to AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha for AIADMK’s approval by its representative, Law Minister M Thambi Durai.

Trinamool Congress, which has resigned from the panel, did not attend the meeting though its leader Mamata Banerjee had been invited, Fernandes said. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Atal BihariVajpayee, was attended by alliance partners AIADMK, MDMK, Samata Party, Haryana Vikas Party, Lokshakti and BJD.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National conference leader, Farooq Abdullah, made a surprise presence at the meeting. In the backdrop of the criticism of the government, the signatories resolved that every constituent of the coalition shall make its maximum positive contribution for the successful and speedy implementation of the vision outlined in the National Agenda for Governance.

It said the committee will be strengthened to facilitate regular interaction and dialogue aimed at resolving differences democratically. Alliance partners decided to support a remedial action plan to revive the national economy, which was a “victim of wrong policies and gross mismanagement by previous governments”.