Monday, May 23 2005 16:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Refusing to be drawn into controversy over the issue of the Election Commission's role in Chapra afresh, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) President Laloo Prasad today (May 23, 2005) said he had full faith in the EC and favoured an early Assembly poll in Bihar.

"I have full faith in the Commission. Please don't try to get me involved in any controversy with the Commission afresh," Prasad said told reporters after arriving from New Delhi.

He said that he favoured the view of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for holding early Assembly polls in the State. "I have already stated that we want elections as early as possible."

Prasad, the Railway Minister, defended the decision of Governor Buta Singh and the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government on the dissolution of the State Assembly.

"The governor was left with no other option than to recommend dissolution of the house keeping in view the sinister bid by the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) to buy LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) MLAs to cobble together a majority," he said, adding that the president and governor had 'saved democracy'.

Prasad said the RJD would have perfect understanding with other UPA allies, including Congress, CPI (Communist Party of India), CPM (Communist Party of India Marxist) and NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) and give them more seats to effectively counter 'communal and fascist forces' in Bihar.

Asked if the RJD would also align with the LJP, another UPA ally for the poll, the RJD chief said, "LJP is defunct now with its MLAs betraying (Ram Vilas) Paswan. In the given circumstances, we can only mourn the death of the party."