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Samata changes stand on Modi's ouster

Bharatiya Janata Party ally and National Democratic Alliance partner Samata Party on Tuesday repudiated the statement of its spokesman Shambhu Srivastava demanding the removal of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, prompting an upset Srivastava to threaten to quit.

In the midst of Samata Party's volte face, another BJP ally Ram Vilas Pawan-headed Lok Janshakti also joined the sack Modi chorus saying President's Rule should be immediately imposed in the state for restoration of normalcy, even as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam wanted top priority to be given to restoration of peace.

Two days after Srivastava's demand, Samata Party chief V V Krishna Rao on Tuesday issued a statement saying change of leadership was not the answer.

"It (Samata Party) does not believe that a change of leadership in Gujarat is the answer to heated emotions," he said in the statement.

Rao said that strong government machinery acting without fear or favour to ensure that each and every citizen was protected, rehabilitated and reassured of justice was the need of the hour.

Reacting to Rao's statement, Srivastava said whatever he had said on Sunday about Modi's removal was the sentiment in the party and also its stand.

"I have to see if the party has come under some pressure to change its stand. I have no information on this," he said.

Asked whether he would consider resignation on the issue, he said, "My position has become very difficult (because of Rao's statement) and I do not rule out my resignation."

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