Campaigning picking up in Malehra

Chhatarpur, MP, Oct 24 (UNI) Electioneering is fast gaining momentum in Malehra where Uma Bharti-led Bharatiya Jan Shakti candidate Rekha Yadav is pitted against BJP nominee Kapoorchand Ghuwara.

Mr Jagdish Shukla (Congress), Mr Surendra Singh Yadav (SP), Mr Sukhlal Joshi (CPI) and Mr Mahesh Chandra Kushwaha (Rashtriya Samanta Dal) besides 16 independents were also in the fray.

In all, 25 candidates had filed their nominations but three withdrew their names later.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and several ministers were busy canvassing support for Mr Ghuwara. Mr Chouhan visited about 25 villages yesterday.

BJS President Uma Bharti held several public meetings in various villages in her home turf seeking support for her party's nominee.

Congress General Secretary Satyavrat Chaturvedi had also been campaigning for Mr Shukla in rural areas.

Meanwhile, independents were not behind and were contacting public in order to get their support.

A total of 1,84,384 electorate will exercise their franchise at 216 polling stations on October 30, while counting will take place on November 2.

The Malehra seat fell vacant after resignation by Ms Bharti on moral grounds after forming her own party following her expulsion from the BJP.

UNI XC-PS 1352