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Chautala's party will be part of NDA

Haryana Chief Minister Om Parkash Chautala today reiterated that the Indian National Lok Dal-BJP-HVP-D combine in the state would contest the Lok Sabha polls under the banner of the National Democratic Alliance.

Talking to newsmen after administering oath to INLD legislator Jaswinder Singh Sandhu as chief parliamentary secretary, the chief minister claimed the combine would be able to bag all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

He said candidates having winning prospects would be given a ticket and added that there was no dispute over the matter. He said he had tried to give proper representation to all sections of the society in his council of ministers.

Responding to a question about the expansion of his ministry, he said it could be done any time. However, declining to give any deadline for the expansion, he said the ministry would be expanded in pursuance with increase in official workload.

Replying to a question on the transfer of officials, Chautala said he had taken up the matter relating to transfer of certain officials with the Election Commission. ''They would be transferred after the EC gives its approval on this behalf.'' However, he ruled out large-scale transfers.

Chautala said, ''So far the EC has not interfered in any matter of the state government as we have done everything with due care.'' Replying to another question about favourable consideration of some demands of the state government employees, he said, ''I would try to undo injustice done to them in any matter.''

Chautala said the priorities of his government included improvement of law and order and the provision of 24-hour power supply. A meeting was being held today itself to review the power position in the state, he added.

Chautala said the main issue during elections would be that only an Indian-born person should become prime minister. The Kargil conflict had amply proved that only a person born in the country inherited nationalism.

He said the INLD had decided to field its four members of the dissolved Lok Sabha and also fight the Bhiwani seat. However, if required, a change could not be ruled out, he added.

UNI

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