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Secular parties should support Congress, says Gowda

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda today asserted that all secular forces should support the Congress in forming an alternative government in the event of the fall of the Vajpayee government.

Talking to newsmen, he said the BJP-led government at the Centre had lost all its credibility and was being remote-controlled by the Sangh Parivar.

Ridiculing the slogan 'Vajpayee or elections', he said the people were not prepared for another immediate election. The BJP, by approaching parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to garner support, had proved that it was also not in favour of elections.

Deve Gowda, however, advised the like-minded parties to display a spirit of solidarity while extending support to the Congress in forming the government. "They should set aside petty differences and should not show any ego".

Replying to a question, he said he would not take any initiative with regard to the formation of a government at the Centre in the current political situation. However, he would stand by the commitment of extending support to the Congress if it formed the government.

UNI

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