Ranchi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav today (Dec 14, 2003) alleged that the Vajpayee Government had become a puppet in the hands of the United States of America and his five- year rule increased insecurity, corruption and poverty in the country.

''How can Vajpayee keep his promise to give one crore jobs as his Government is winding up public sector units in the name of disinvestment under American pressure and retrenchment is still going on in many sectors,'' Yadav said while addressing the "Jharkhand Bacchao Maha-rally" in Ranchi.

Terming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a mask of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which ''is sowing the seeds of disharmony'', Yadav said, ''Fear psychosis has developed even among the MPs who undergo various checks and frisks. In case of a security-related problem, we will be unable to get out."

Alleging that the Centre was following double standards, Yadav said, ''The Union Government was prompt in accusing Mayawati, Ajit Jogi and myself in different cases. But remained silent on Tehelka expose.''

''They accuse me in the fodder scam, but Rabri Devi and I have extended all co-operation,'' he said, blaming his luck that several persons whom he had shown generosity to had now become his foes, including a police officer, apparently hinting at former Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) D P Ojha.

Asking the people to get ready for general elections which could be held in March next year (2004), he said the people who voted the BJP to power should amend their choice in the next Lok Sabha elections '' for the sake of the nation's security and development of the tribals, minorities and backward classes".

PTI