41.   Rao late Friday denied any interference in the investigation and said implicated Congressmen would be allowed to contest upcoming polls since charges alone did not prove their guilt.

42.   Six lists are contesting the polls.

43.   Six slates of candidates were contesting the poll.

44.   The London-educated Abdullah was the highest-profile Moslem politician to contest the polls.

45.   The meeting will also discuss media reports that some of the top rung APHC leaders are ready to contest provincial polls.

46.   The new premier would not contest the polls, the paper said.