Case recalled, Bharti freed

Discharged by a court in a 10-year-old case and released from jail, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti on Monday ruled out coming back as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and launched a scathing attack on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi saying the case was a "revenge" by her.

MP Chief Minister Babulal Gaur would "continue for the full term", she said.

Describing the court order as a "victory of nationalism over the communalism of the Congress," Bharti said the Congress attempt to whip up "tricolour politics" would not succeed in driving a wedge between Hindus and Muslims.

Soon after a Hubli court discharged Bharti in the case, the BJP called off its five-day-old agitation.

Welcoming the withdrawal of charges against Bharti, BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said the party would take a decision on her fate at its September 8 meeting in Bangalore. "We are of the view that she will be an asset as a pracharak," he said.

According to sources, Bharti will be sent to Maharashtra to campaign during the Assembly polls.

By renouncing office on moral grounds, BJP leaders say, Bharti could effectively counter Sonia Gandhi's "sacrifice".

"We are juxtaposing her against Gandhi. She is a big crowd puller, this will be her new role," said senior BJP leader.