He stated that though the Rabri Devi government has lost the moral right to govern the Congress was not supporting President's Rule because it was concerned about Dalits' security. He added that the Congress was not interested in aiding the political interests of the RSS nor was it interested in helping forces such as the Samata Party and the BJP which were behind the Ranvir Sena, a force responsible for the killing of Dalits in the state.

"A government which cannot protect the poor and the Dalits has lost the moral right to govern. The Congress has set an an example in Orissa by owning the moral responsibility," Jogi added.

Asked whether the Congress would insist on a new Chief Minister if the Rabri Devi government was reinstated, Jogi, however, added, "We are not interested in who becomes the CM, but want an end to the killings."

He added that while the Congress had imposed President's Rule over a 100 times without facing opposition from the courts or the President, the BJP government's move was sent back by the President last time they tried it and is likely to be rejected by the Parliament this time around. "We know how to rule and stay within constitutional bounds, something the BJP is not able to do," Jogi stated.

He added that while the party was not interested in a constitutional remedy for Punjab, the state was being administratively mismanaged by the Akali Dal. The people will themselves express their dissatisfaction when they get a chance to vote, Jogi claimed.

"The dispute in the Akali Dal is an internal one and the Congress has no comments on the matter. We want that terrorism should not regain a foothold in the state. Peace has been won through the sacrifices of the people of Punjab and the Congress party. The Union government should now keep a strict watch to ensure events don't get out of hand," Jogi added.

He further stated that organisational elections, including those for the post of AICC president, will be completed by August 1999 and the enrollment drive for members. will go on till May 31.