Monday, February 7 2005 17:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Senior Congress leader and former Chattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi said in Patna today (Feb 7, 2005) that the Congress would play a 'major and decisive' role in the formation of a secular Government in Bihar after the Assembly elections.

Talking to reporters in Patna Jogi said that a secular Government would be formed in Bihar with Congress support.

Jogi, whose party is having friendly contests with the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) in a large number of constituencies, avoided a direct reply to a question on whether Congress would support Laloo Prasad's party in forming a Government, but said the Congress had withdrawn its candidates from Ramnagar, Asthawan and Hilsa Assembly constituencies in favour of the LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) of Ramvilas Paswan.

Jogi said, "A secular Government on the pattern of the Centre will be formed in Bihar that will work for improving the present law and order and development of the State."

Jogi, who is here to campaign for party candidates, admitted that "deteriorating law and order and lack of development are the two major problems facing the State."

Even Congress President Sonia Gandhi during her election rallies had expressed concern over law and order and said it needed improvement.

Stating that the Congress would do its best to keep communal and fascist forces at bay, Jogi said voters of Bihar were wise enough in not allowing such elements to come to power.