‘Unaware’ Shahi says her return not discussed

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti is likely to be appointed “Chunav Prabhari” (election in-charge) in UP following her return to BJP after “Makar Sankranti”. “The senior leaders are in no mood to disturb the present arrangement in the state,hence she would be appointed the Chunav Prabhari,” a leader said.

In Lucknow,BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi said he has no information about Bharti’s return or her possible role. “The party leadership has not discussed anything regarding Umaji. If she comes and starts playing her role in UP,we will welcome her,” Shahi said.

Most leaders felt Bharti will be able to compensate the party’s loss after exit of Kalyan Singh. “She is a good combination of all that BJP needs in UP — a woman,an OBC face,a Sadhvi and a leader with pro-Hindu image,” said a senior leader. Her favored political ground will be Bundelkhand. The possibility of Bharti getting an active role in UP,however,is giving anxious moments to many leaders. “They know her assertive style of functioning and have already begun joining hands,” said a leader,referring to the presence of senior leaders at Saturday’s “Chintan Baithak”.