Anna Joshi denies plans to join NCP

The manner in which the party first announced my name for Pune Lok Sabha constituency and then in the last minute snatched the ticket and gave it to another person is an insult which is worse than death8217;, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party high command had first announced the name of Joshi to contest as BJP candidate from Pune but within two days it reversed the decision and asked him not to file nominations. His ticket was given to the city party president Pradeep Rawat as the latter8217;s supporters had threatened to agitate if Rawat was not given the ticket.

Joshi said, Though I am bitterly hurt, I will not revolt and contest against the official candidate as a rebel. But what happened to meis something which can totally rattle a loyal party worker8217;.

He said, In politics there are only pauses and no full stops. Since the state and central leaders of the BJP have listened to my grievance I officially announce my support to the candidate selected by the party8217;.

Joshi was earlier elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991 when he defeated senior Congressman V N Gadgil by 16,000 votes in a three cornered fight between the BJP, Congress and the Janata Dal.