Saturday, February 12 2005 14:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) supremo Laloo Prasad today (Feb 12, 2005) pooh-poohed the BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) allegation that its 'CD footage' was aimed at stopping minorities from voting the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar, asking 'Do I need CD to get votes'.

Denying the allegations that the RJD was showing Gujarat riots through CDs during the ensuing Bihar Assembly elections, the Railway Minister said the incidents had occurred and were already showed on televisions then.

"Have I given them (CDs) through advertisements? Do I need CD to get votes? Prasad sought to know when his attention was drawn to the BJP's allegation on the RJD using the CD during its canvassing for minority votes."

In a different tune, BJP leader Pramod Mahajan said, "Laloo needs those CDs to stop Muslims from going to Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP. Laloo Prasad has become doubtful of his M+Y (Muslim/Yadav) equation this time."

Claiming that a strong anti-incumbency wave is sweeping in Bihar, Mahajan equated the CD as the final straw of a fading regime.

On the other hand, Laloo Prasad said the wheel of the BJP machinery had been 'punchered' and 'Atal-Advani-Fernandes-Nitish will bite the dust at the Hustings'. Both the leaders arrived here in connection with their respective poll engagements.