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Discord over contesting polls alone

Top JP leaders threaten to desert Ershad

By Rezaul Karim
Jatiya Party led by H M Er-shad is facing a serious crisis as majority of its senior leaders have opposed the party's apparent move to break away from the BNP-led four-party opposition alliance and participate In the next parliamentary polls alone, party sources said.
Most of the JP Presidium members. MPs and senior leaders of the central executive committee of the party have threatened Ershad to desert him if he decides to back out from the combine and split it. the sources pointed out.
More than 30 top leaders of the party met Ershad on Tuesday night to know his attitude towards the alliance and his election strategy. During the meeting that continued till 1.30 am. many of the leaders had hot exchange of words with Ershad. threatening to desert him, an aide to Ershad told this correspondent. "It was a demonstration by top leaders before the party chief." he added.
Party insiders said the July 8-9 council session of the party has further intensified conflict within it as a section of party men favoured contesting the next polls alone. But most of the Presidium members and MPs want to participate in the election under an electoral alliance led by BNP.
The aide said at Tuesday night's meeting, the leaders present strongly protested holding of the council session without their participation.
They also briefed Ershad on the overall political situation, future perspectives, the party's real position and various other issues.
The leaders argued that JP would be greatly benefited even if it can contest from 60 constituencies .remaining in the alliance. It would not be possible for the party to win even 30 seats if it contests alone, they said.
But Ershad reportedly dls-agreed with them and said BNP would be benefited if supported by JP. Ue expressed the optimism that his party might do better if it contests the polls alone.
A Presidium member said Ershad was surprised that senior leaders strongly opposed his move. ' It would be suit Ida] for the party if Ershad fails to understand the reality".
Meanwhile, sources concerned said BNP is closely watching the developments in JP. It would welcome other opposition parties in the alliance and also bld farewell if any one wants to quit it.
A policy maker of the BNP quoting party Chairperson Khaleda Zia said she Is interested to contest the next polls under a coalition to face the Awami League. “We will not take the responsibility of a rift in the alliance and we will try to bring in other parties to form a broad-based unity", he quoted Khaleda as saving.