Group war peaks in Uttar Pradesh

The BJP workers say that both Pappu and Sharma are tools in the ongoing factional feud between the pro- and anti-Kalyan Singh factions in the party. Both are known for their money and muscle power besides, of course, their proximity to the Chief Minister.

Pappu, a liquor baron, had contributed in a major way to Yogi8217;s victory in last elections, but fell out with him later. Both Yogi and Pappu have become sworn enemies, so much so that Pappu claims Yogi has been issuing death threats to him. 8220;Theelectoral battle in Gorakhpur is likely to be followed by a gun battle between their henchmen,8221; says Rajesh Yadav, a BSP activist.

Pappu claims he distanced from Yogi after the outgoing MP started claiming credit for developmental projects initiated by the Minister in his constituency. 8220;How can I allow others to reap the harvest of my efforts?8221; Pappu told The Indian Express.

Yogi Aditya Nath is the custodian of the famous Gorakhnath temple and commands tremendous respect not only in eastern UP and Bihar, but Nepal as well. He, however, has the dubious distinction of being allegedly involved in the killings of his opponents, former MLAs, Om Prakash Paswan, Virendra Pratap Shahi and Sharda Prasad Rawat.

Yogi does not hide his intentions. 8220;The temple is Ram and whoever opposes it is branded Ravana by the people. A number of Ravanas have already been eliminated and if someone else tries to don the mantle, he too will face the same fate,8221; he said at a public meeting in the Maniram Assemblyconstituency.

The Yogi was accused of sheltering murderers of Paswan, who was killed in a bomb attack at a public meeting in Bansgaon during the 1996 elections. The police had even raided the temple premises in search of the assailants. Pappu says how could he support a person who was openly threatening to kill him. 8220;He announced at Mohanapur village that Pappu too would meet the same fate as Paswan and Sharda Rawat. In Gopalpur village the other day, he again announced that Pappu8217;s terahvin a ritual performed after death would be observed after the polling is over on October 3,8221; alleges the Minister.

The Minister says he is not afraid of being sacked from Kalyan Singh8217;s Cabinet, but he would still not join the SP. 8220;I have always won as an Independent and would never compromise my independence in future as well,8221; he says.

In Padrauna, Anand Sharma, a beedi magnate, is not as vocal as his friend Pappu and does not share the SP candidate8217;s platform. But he has extended all kind of helpto the SP nominee Baleshwar Yadav, including campaign vehicles and money. 8220;If Anand does not come out openly in support of the BJP candidate, he will have to face the consequences,8221; says senior BJP leader Brij Bhushan Mishra alias Badka Babu in Padrauna.

The group war is hurting the BJP in neighbouring Khalilabad too. With the party declining to renominate its outgoing MP Indrajit Mishra, his supporters are not campaigning there.

With its problems in the Gorakhpur belt mounting, the BJP has decided to present a number of star campaigners. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is likely to visit Gorakhpur. Sushma Swaraj, Vinod Khanna, Hema Malini are arriving here tomorrow, while Shatrughan Sinha, Pramod Mahajan and Uma Bharti are expected the next day, say the local BJP leaders.