BSP worker commits self-immolation after denial of ticket

Varanasi, Oct 9: Unable to file nominations for the local body polls slated for October 31, a BSP worker allegedly set himself afire in Lanka area here last night, police today said.

Ghoorelal Sonkar (40) has been admitted to a private hospital in critical condition.

The BSP worker resorted to the extreme step in public view, following inability to file nomination for the post of corporator of Nagwa municipal ward.

He was rushed to hospital with 90 per cent burns, hospital spokesperson Ajai Rai informed.

According to Ghoorelal's family, he went to Durgakund Zonal Office of Varanasi Nagar Nigam on Friday -- last date of filing papers -- to file nominations for the post of corporator.

Due to absence of caste certificate, he was not allowed to submit his papers and asked to arrange an affidavit immediately. He returned in the evening with the required affidavit, but could not file his papers as the nomination process was over by then.

UNI