Red-faced on Bihar, Cong hiding behind Bhagwat, says BJP

The Congress, that had shown its inclinations by breaking bread with Jayalalitha recently in Delhi, too came in for stringent criticism from Thakre. He accused the Congress of creating a controversy over the sacking of Navy Chief Admiral Bhagwat in order to hide its mistake in reinstalling Bihar CM Rabri Devi.

Launching a vitriolic attack on the Congress and the left parties, Thakur accused them of supporting Laloo-Rabri jungleraj.” It ridiculed the Congress saying it had violated its Pachmarhi resolution last year where it decided not to align with any casteist or communal party. Thakre said the party showed its true colours by supporting the Bihar Government.

Meanwhile, the question of numbers that is currently bugging the Government also figured prominently in the press conference addressed by BJP national vice-president K L Sharma. Reiterating Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s contention on Thursday that his Government could afford to lose the support of an ally, Sharma said the government had the numbers in the House. “It is to be proved in the House, not explained to the press,” he said when queried for details.

“I think Jayalalitha will not withdraw support in the background of clarifications (issued by Kumaramangalam),” Sharma said.

The national executive meeting of the BJP will see party members discuss its preparedness for the forthcoming elections in the state. The meet will also discuss the state of India’s economy and the measures adopted by the BJP Government. The meet is likely to adopt a resolution asking the government to protest the attack on Yugoslavia by NATO forces.