Arjun unhappy,but will campaign against Veena

While the Congress leadership went by fathers recommendation to deny ticket to his son from Sidhi,the high command went by the sons recommendation to deny ticket to his daughter Veena Singh who was seeking a ticket from Satna parliamentary constituency. The Congress fielded Ajeya Singhs loyalist Sudhir Singh Tomar from Satna.

Asked about the denial of tickets to his son and daughter,Arjun Singh told reporters here,If I say I am not unhappy,then it will not be true. He,however,clarified that the allocation of tickets was the prerogative of the party leadership and he would campaign for party nominees in Sidhi and Satna.

In a press statement on Saturday,the Union minister had welcomed the partys decision to nominate Sudhir Singh Tomar who has been an active Congress worker of the district. He (Tomar) has never flirted with the BJP,RSS or any non-secular party. I appeal to all Congressmen of Satna district to rally round the official candidate of the Congress party and work unitedly to secure victory for our leaders, said his statement.

The Congress sought to downplay the disappointment of Arjun Singh. He has said being a father he is disappointed. What is wrong in it? If my son does not get a ticket,I will also be disappointed, Union minister Kapil Sibal told reporters clarifying that Singh did not say he is angry at anybody.

Party leaders sought to draw a contrast between Singhs reaction and that of senior leader Margaret Alva who had alleged sale of party tickets after her son was denied ticket in the last Assembly elections in Karnataka.

Arjun Singh also supported the partys decision to project Manmohan Singh as PM candidate. I will accept any responsibility that Manmohan Singh gives me after the elections, he said.

Asked about Varun Gandhis inflammatory spee-ches and his detention under the NSA,Singh said both actions were unfortunate.