The Congress leadership today decided to put the heat on UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav regarding the law and order issue in the state, but resolved not to move any further against him at the Centre as of now.Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, today reviewed the situation with three senior leaders — AICC treasurer Motilal Vora, general secretary in-charge Satyavrat Chaturvedi and PCC president Salman Khursheed. The party strategy is to speak a measured language in the Capital and let state leaders go hammer and tongs against Mulayam in Lucknow. While some less important state leaders may be allowed to make extreme demands, like imposition of President’s Rule, people in responsible positions would not go beyond the demand for a CBI inquiry into the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal.In line with this strategy, Khursheed told reporters: ‘‘We will take to the streets in the state next week.We will take the law and order issue to people.’’ Evasive on the question of President’s rule, the PCC president said: ‘‘We would apprise the Centre with the situation.’’ Asked if it was a fit case for Article 356, he said: ‘‘It is for the Union Home Minister to see.’’On the issue of Congress support, Khursheed said: ‘‘Our support was a one-time cheque to keep communal forces out of power and not a credit card.’’ Sources said the Congress would shortly meet the Governor and present a memorandum on law and order.
