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This is an archive article published on October 14, 1998

No news on Laden, says Naidu

NEW DELHI, OCT 13: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said that his government had no information about internationa...

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NEW DELHI, OCT 13: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said that his government had no information about international terrorist Osama bin Laden’s visit to Hyderabad and his meeting with Islamic militants.

He was reacting to a question about AIADMK leader J Jayalalitha’s statement that Laden had a hand in the Coimbatore serial blasts of February 14.

Naidu who met Home Minister L K Advani, said that there had been no tip-off from the Centre about the Saudi terrorist’s movement and added that the State government is keeping a close watch on Islamic militants activities and has also arrested six Al-Umma cadres in Rajahmundry two days back.

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The Chief Minister said he had sought Central assistance to meet the cost of the anti-Naxalite operations in the State during his meeting with Advani as uptil now the Rs 598 crore has been spent. The issue would be taken up in the Cabinet, the Home Minister has assured him.

Naidu said that his party, the TDP, was giving only issue-based support tothe BJP government and would not compromise on its stand on various issues. He cited the instance of how his party had opposed the move to impose President’s rule in Bihar. He also recalled that he had not agreed with the then United Front government’s move to dismiss the Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh last year.

Naidu emphasised the TDP’s demand for abrogation of Article 356 which he said went against the federal structure of the Constitution.

Asked about the CPI(M)’s moves for the formation of a third front, he said that the TDP would not support any front which, in any way, was associated with the Congress. He is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee tomorrow.

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