Uma heeds VHP call, withdraws candidates

UP ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

In a big boost to the prospects of the BJP in UP, Bharatiya Janshakti Chief Uma Bharti today announced the withdrawal of party candidates from the Assembly polls.

The announcement by the erstwhile BJP leader came a day after the VHP appealed to candidates in the Assembly elections to withdraw in support of Kalyan Singh as the chief ministerial candidate and "in the larger interests of Hindus."

Although as a party, the Bharatiya Janshakti has only marginal presence, it would have had the effect of dividing Hindu votes which will now not happen.

However, Bharti's action caused shudders to go through the central BJP, as senior leaders began to recall the venom she had unleashed on the party's top leaders at official national executive briefings.

A debate was on in the party about whether this meant Bharti was returning to the BJP, especially after leader LK Advani's appeal that all Hindu forces should reunite.

Bharti, however, dismissed suggestions that her action was precursor to her rejoining the main Opposition party and insisted that it was only prompted by VHP's appeal.

"We are withdrawing candidates following the appeal of VHP leader Ashok Singhal that division of Hindus should be avoided in the larger interest of the country," Bharti said at a hurriedly called press conference here.