RSS leader takes on BJP candidate in Pandhana

Bhopal, Dec 2 (UNI) Prominent RSS leader and Bhartiya Jan Shakti candidate Vasudeo Atoot is pitted against BJP nominee Devendra Varma and Congress candidate Hiralal Silawat in the December 4 Assembly byelection in Pandhana in Khandwa district of western Madhya Pradesh.

Mr Atoot's clean image and close contact with the electorate forced intensive campaigning for the ruling BJP, which was otherwise in an upbeat mood after its victory in recent byelections in Budhni and Malehra assembly constituencies and Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency.

The byelection was caused by the death of Devendra Varma's father. Sitting BJP MLA Kishorilal Varma and his wife were murdered one and a half month ago.

As many as five candidates, including Gondwana Gantantra Party nominee and an independent, figure in the byelection. Of the total 191 polling stations, 75 had been declared sensitive. The campaigning was by and large peaceful.

Campaigning in the rural constituency having 1.56 lakh electorate comes to an end this evening. Amid tight security with deployment of district police and para-military forces, polling will be held from 0730 hours to 1630 hours on December 4. Counting of votes will take place on December 7.

Firebrand Sadhvi Uma Bharti, who parted ways with BJP a year ago, and BJS General Secretary Prahlad Patel campaigned for her party candidate Vasudeo Atoot. AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh and Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria were the main main campaigners for the Congress.

About a dozen state ministers, led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and BJP General Secretary Anant Kumar, managed the campaigning for ruling BJP.

UNI Ag-SP 1436