BJP denies 'party-Govt. rift'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, OCT. 22. The BJP today sought to underplay reports of a rift between the party and the Government. ``There is absolutely no misunderstanding or lack of coordination,'' said the party chief, Mr. Jana Krishnamurthy, in an obvious attempt to clarify the remarks made by the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, at yesterday's party meeting.

The Prime Minister, during his concluding speech at the function to mark the 50th anniversary of the party, had pointed out a communication gap between the party and the Government. He had in fact cited his absence from the flag- hoisting ceremony as an example. Today, his party chief clarified that those remarks were made ``in a lighter vein''. In fact, Mr. Krishnamurthy sought to put the media in the dock, by indicating that the remarks had been misinterpreted.

Mr. Krishnamurthy's interpretation of the remarks was that he had merely referred to the ``possibility'' of a communication gap between the party and the Government, but the media had given its own spin to it. ``I have known him for the last 33 years, he spoke as is his habit, in a lighter vein,'' Mr. Krishnamurthy, said.

The BJP president said he was prepared to examine whether the government-party coordination could be improved. ``I will definitely look into this,'' he said. However, the party only had an advisory role in the running of the Government and its brief was limited to framing policy, the implementation part was Government's responsibility he said.

He also underplayed the Prime Minister's absence from ``maargdarshan'' session of the meeting. ``We always look to Atalji for guidance, ever since the death of Deen Dayal Upadhya he has been hoisting the flag,'' Mr. Krishnamurthy said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Next     : VHP leaders' entry into disputed site a setback:
           PM