Ranchi: NDA (National Democratic Alliance) convener, George Fernandes today (June, 29 2004) without naming UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi attacked the Congress-led UPA Government for 'setting up a separate office' for a person, who is not even a minister in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet.

"They (the Congress) were very concerned when we were in power, but now they have set up an office to a person who is not even a minister, and spending lots of money towards it," the senior Janata Dal (United) leader told reporters in Ranchi.

Asked whether he was referring to AICC (All India Congress Committee) President Sonia Gandhi, Fernandes said, "I don't take names of some persons".

Fernandes charged the UPA Government with hiking price on diesel, petrol and gas despite seeking votes on decreasing price of essential commodities.

The former defence minister, however, praised the continuity of the Indo-Pak peace process.

On Railway Minister Laloo Yadav's introduction of earthen cups, Fernandes sought to take credit saying he had been instrumental in the introduction of the cups during Morarji Desai's regime, which were banned after Indira Gandhi came back to power.

Observing on Jharkhand political scenario, Fernandes said had the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the JD-U (Janata Dal-United) agreed upon a poll alliance for the Lok Sabha, results in the State would have been different.

However, he said, he would talk to the BJP on seat-sharing for the upcoming Assembly elections.