KARACHI, Oct 14: PPP (SB) Chairperson Ghinwa Bhutto said here that the election results were a corollary of the strong reaction of the people against US policies.

She said it was not correct to think that only religious parties could ensure national solidarity and sovereignty, adding that there are other progressive forces who could work better for this purpose.

Commenting on the poll results, she held the US responsible for creating hurdles in promoting a progressive outlook in the country. She equally blamed the Musharraf regime for encouraging the religious elements.

The PPP (SB) head maintained that parties having a progressive outlook were pushed away, saying that her nominations were rejected, candidates of her party were harassed and forced to join the PML-Q, SDA and other pro-government groups.

She said that it remained to be seen whether the new parliament would be able to resist the dictation of the IMF and the World Bank.