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Journalism of Courage
BANGALORE, April 22: The internecine war among Bharatiya Janata Party8217;s mercurial allies entered into a fresh bout with Union Commerce Minister Ramakrishna Hegde saying that the coalition could well seek a fresh mandate from the people instead of succumbing to the blackmail tactics of AIADMK chief J Jayalalitha.
Speaking to media persons here at the airport on returning from Bangkok, Hegde said he had not seen Prime Minister A B Vajpayee8217;s letter seeking explanation to Jayalalitha8217;s letter urging the dismissal of tainted ministers. 8220;I have to go to Delhi8221;.
Referring to Jayalalitha targeting him and Urban Development Minister Ram Jethmalani, Hegde said there was no charge-sheet filed against him anywhere in the country. He ruled out tendering resignation from the Vajpayee government and described the allegations against him as meaningless. 8220;If necessary, I will resign myself. No one has ever asked me to resign in my political life. Five times I have stepped down on moral grounds, as in the case of telephone tapping, though I have not erred,8221; he said.
No second central team for TN: Advani
The Centre is not deputing a second team to Tamil Nadu to assess the security situation there, Home Minister L K Advani said today.
AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha had demanded that the Centre should send a new team, headed by the Union Home Secretary, to Tamil Nadu to make a fresh assessment of the security scenario in the State.
Asked about the removal of Special Secretary Home Ashok Kumar, who had led a two-member Central team to Tamil Nadu, Advani said8220;I do things. I do not comment.8221;
