BJP accepts poll defeat as people's verdict

Bhopal, Nov 3 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh BJP today said the party has accepted its defeat in assembly by-election in Lanji constituency of Balaghat district as people's verdict.

In a statement issued here today, state BJP President Narendra Singh Tomar said sometimes bypoll verdicts got confined to narrow-mindedness and the bigger party had to bear the burnt. The party would analyse causes behind its defeat in the by-election.

State Congress President Subhash Yadav alleged that Naxals played a prominent role in the by-election. Polling was done on the indications of Naxals. He expressed concern that the ruling BJP Government could not tackle influence of Naxals in this Naxal-affected district.

Bharatiya Janshakti (BJ) President General Secretary Prahlad Patel said the bypoll's result was affected by Naxalites. He described the poll verdict as a victory of fear and terror.

Mr Patel stressed on the need for preventing Naxalism from spreading in other areas.

Belying all expectations, SP candidate Kishor Simarte emerged victorious in the Lanji by-poll defeating his nearest rival and BJP nominee Dhareshwari Bhatere by over 3,000 votes.

UNI