Stay away from my show,Beni tells local MP Punia

While his declaration is seen as an attempt to raise his stature above the party,district leaders are confused about whom to support. The district Congress has declared its support for the demonstration,but has kept itself out of the war of words between the two leaders.

“It is my personal initiative and effort. I wish to ascertain the mood of the public towards me so there is no need for local MP or probable candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha elections to attend the programme. I have asked him (Punia) to stay away from the demonstration,” Verma said.

Asked if the protest would be under the banner of the Congress,he said,“Of course. It is a demonstration of the Congress under my leadership and it is advisable for the local MP not to attend it. It is just the beginning. I would be organising similar programmes across the state to ascertain the mood of the public and MPs would not be invited anywhere.”

A senior party leader said that Punia,who was in Barabanki today,had told partymen that he would be part of the demonstration as it is a Congress programme and he is the party MP from the area.

Speaking to The Indian Express,Punia said that he had cancelled all his appointments in Delhi on Monday just to be part of the demonstration against the state government. “But,since the minister has said that I am not required in the demonstration,I would reconsider it,” said Punia.