Soni says it’s too early to decide on Dutt seat

However, sources in the party indicated that given the close personal ties shared by Nargis and Sunil Dutt with the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, Congress President Sonia Gandhi is likely to limit her choice to their son Sanjay and daughter Priya for giving the party ticket.

The sources did not see much hope for Sanjay Nirupam, who fought the last Lok Sabha poll against Dutt on the Shiv Sena ticket and joined the Congress later. Though Sonia had admitted Nirupam to the party, Dutt could never get over Nirupam’s vicious verbal attacks on himself and Sonia in the past.

Nirupam, on his part, refused to link the issue with Sanjay, who slighted him at Mumbai yesterday. Nirupam, who was talking to reporters today, described Sanjay’s remarks – ‘‘Who is Sanjay Nirupam? He is insignificant’’ – as unfortunate. ‘‘I consider the matter as closed,’’ he added.

When asked whether he would stake his claim over the Mumbai North-West seat, he said, ‘‘it is for the Congress high command to decide on the candidate.’’ As for his willingness to canvass for a member of the Dutt family, Nirupam said, ‘‘Yes. As a member of the Congress I will campaign.’’