Support in LS had no strings attached: TDP

HYDERABAD, FEB 27: The Telugu Desam Party TDP has made it clear that it did not impose any conditions on the Vajpayee government for ex...

HYDERABAD, FEB 27: The Telugu Desam Party TDP has made it clear that it did not impose any conditions on the Vajpayee government for extending support to the statutory resolution ratifying President8217;s Rule in Bihar.Addressing newsmen here today, TDP official spokesman Ummareddy Venkateswarulu and general secretary SM Lal Jan Basha denied reports that the party had demanded restoration of the Rabri Devi government after the motion was adopted by the Lok Sabha.

Explaining the reasons for the delay in announcing the party8217;s stand, the leaders said party president N Chandrababu Naidu had to take into consideration various options before supporting a resolution on Article 356.They said the TDP did not face any dilemma in chalking out a strategy on the motion.

in Parliament. They denied reports that different views were expressed by ministers and MPs on the matter. quot;This is a unanimous decision,quot; Venkateswarulu said.

The TDP spokesman disagreed with the criticism that the party had kept the Vajpayeegovernment on tenterhooks for four days by not openly supporting the motion well in advance. quot;We had our own time. There is nothing wrong in weighing all options before taking a stand on a crucial issue,quot; he said.Similarly, the party leaders clarified that there were no contradictions in the party8217;s stand on the statutory resolution on Bihar. quot;We are opposed to Article 356 and will continue to oppose its use in future too. But, Bihar is a rare and special case,quot; Venkateswarulu said.

He assailed both the Congress and the Left parties for trying to weaken the Vajpayee government for their narrow political ends. quot;The Congress hatched plans to come back to power through backdoor methods and we wanted to foil its designs,quot; he explained.