George, loyalists skip JD-U executive meeting

NEW DELHI: The rift in Janata Dal (United) on Saturday became more pronounced with senior leader George Fernandes and his loyalists skipping the party's National Executive meeting on its opening day and uncertainty prevailing on their participation on Sunday.

Though party spokesman Shambhu Srivastwa gave different reasons for the leaders not attending the meeting, Fernandes, Digvijay Singh, Shiv Kumar and Aneel Hegde remained conspicuous by their absence.

Admitting that the date had been fixed in consultation with Fernandes, Srivastwa said the former JD-U Chief was away in Hyderabad, while Singh was in Colombo. Regarding Kumar and Hegde, who is a special invitee, he had no cue.

"I will find out," Srivastwa said when asked if Fernandes would attend the concluding day's programme, but said Singh was likely to be present.

To repeated questions, the spokesman maintained that there were "no differences" within the party and said that Fernandes was not sulking after Sharad Yadav took over the reinc of the pabti fro- him in Apri, this year.

 As for the deliberations on the opening day, he said the party took up the political and economic resolutions and one on international situation.

The party accused the UPA Government for its "total failure" in fighting terrorism, militancy, naxalism and communalism. It also flayed the Centre for the price rise, he said adding that there was, however, no mention of the clash in Lok Sabha involving JD-U and RJD members.  The meeting placed on record its appreciation for
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's achievements in various sectors.