Rumour mill works overtime on Kalyan's future

LUCKNOW, Nov 7 (UNI) — The rumour mill worked overtime on Divali and speculation of a change of leadership in Uttar Pradesh heightened when the Chief Minister called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan today.

Though the Chief Minister said he had gone to greet Mr Suraj Bhan on the occasion of Divali yet the statement comes a night after Mr Kalyan Singh reportedly told some party workers about his plan to move out of his official residence. At a party meeting last evening, he indicated that he was in the process of shifting luggage from his official residence.

What transpired today at the Chief Minister's meeting with the Governor is not known. Mr Kalyan Singh also refused to substantiate the remarks made at the meeting yesterday.

''No comments,'' he told newspersons when asked about his reported statement that he was being punished for a crime he never committed.

''Hearty Divali greetings,'' added the Chief Minister, who was leaving for his native place in Aligarh this evening despite having announced plans to celebrate the festival at his Mall avenue residence here.

The hotch-potch situation has invited the focus to the official residence of PWD Minister Kalraj Mishra, who occupies the second rank in the Kalyan Singh cabinet. His residence has been flooded with officials, party leaders, workers and mediapersons since this morning.

Interestingly, Mr Mishra today met Mr Kalyan Singh at the Chief Minister's residence on the latter's call. Mr Mishra, however, remained non-committal about taking over the mantle of chief ministership.

''I have no knowledge about any decision taken by the high command regarding change in leadership (in the state),'' he said. ''Right now, Kalyan Singhji is very much our Chief Minister and I am his cabinet colleague,'' he added.

A major point of discussion at Mr Mishra's meeting with the Chief Minister was said to be on whether to convene an urgent BJP legislative party meeting.