Thursday, April 6 2006 10:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhaderwah (J&K): Ruling out reports of fielding of joint candidates by PDP and Congress in the bypoll to three assembly constituencies in Kashmir valley, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday (Apr 5, 2006) said a decision is yet to be taken on fielding of party candidates for the polls.

"A decision is yet to be taken by the Congress on fielding of its candidates in the three assembly constituencies in Kashmir valley," Azad told reporters here.

When asked about the statement made by former Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed that PDP's candidates are joint candidates of the two coalition partners, Azad said "No decision has yet been taken by Congress in this regard."

Promising to hold free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Azad said state Government employees involved in electioneering and helping political parties would be severely punished.