Blending the Hindutva and backward cards, the BJP on Tuesday indicated that hardline saffron sanyasin Uma Bharti could be the party’s candidate for chief minister if the BJP manages a majority in the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh polls. Other possible candidates include senior leader Kalraj Mishra and BJP state unit chief Surya Pratap Shahi.
In Lucknow, while replying to a question on CM candidates, BJP chief Nitin Gadkari said Rajnath Singh, Kalraj Mishra, Surya Pratap Shahi and Uma Bharti are the main contenders for the top post. He, however, added that Mr Singh is interested more in national politics than in leading a state government. Mr Singh is also party election in-charge for the UP and Uttarakhand polls. But, perhaps realising that his comments might worsen the infighting over the candidate for CM, Mr Gadkari later added that the name of the leader of the BJP Legislature Party would be decided by the elected MLAs. Sources disclosed that Ms Bharti might contest from the Bundelkhand region. Speculation is rife that the BJP might field her from either Charkhari Assembly seat or Babina. Ms Bharti has already said she will abide by whatever decision Mr Gadkari takes.
Party sources said Uma Bharti loyalists, already lobbying for her to get the CM’s post, feel she is the best candidate as she is an OBC, the section the BJP is trying to woo, as well as a prominent “Hindutva” face of the party.
Ms Bharti has been campaigning in UP since a little after she was reinducted by Mr Gadkari in June 2011. A majority section within the BJP’s UP unit was at the time opposed to her being projected by the party top brass as the star campaigner.