Tuesday, December 21 2004 11:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Lashing out at NDA (National Democratic Alliance) for levelling "false accusations" against his party, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) chief Laloo Prasad today (Dec 21, 2004) said the party's rally in Patna on Thursday (Dec 23, 2004) has been postponed as he did not want to cause any "embarrassment" to the Election Commission.

"There was no pressure from the Election Commission; they did not tell us to postpone the rally. But after discussing with leaders of our party, I decided to do so, as I did not want to cause any embarrassment to the Commission," he told a press conference in Patna.

"The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and NDA are making false accusations against us before the EC and in Parliament and spreading false propaganda. But the people will give them a befitting reply," he said.

The Railway Minister said the decision to organise the 'Garib Kisan Maharally' had been taken in mid-October, long before the EC announced the poll schedule.

"It was a pre-planned programme and 18 trains had been arranged to ferry supporters," he said.

Pointing out that all preparations were complete for the rally, he said "I know this decision will trouble my supporters the most as they worked very hard. But they will now take this energy into the villages (for campaigning)."

Expressing confidence that RJD would win the February Assembly elections, Prasad promised to organise a 'Vijay Divas' (Victory Day) on February 28.

Accusing the BJP-led NDA of hatching a "political conspiracy" against RJD, he said the responsibility of his supporters to fight "communal and fascist forces" has now increased.

Asked about the FIR filed against him for allegedly distributing money near here on Saturday, Prasad said he was only "giving Rs 100-200 to daughters of the poor."

Taking cognisance of media reports alleging violation of model code of conduct, the EC had yesterday directed that an FIR be filed against Prasad.

It had also issued a show-cause notice to RJD asking why its recognition be not cancelled. The Railway Board was also told not to run special trains or divert any for the December 23 rally.