MP Cong confused over selection of candidates for bypolls

Bhopal, Feb 13 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Congress, rocked by differences among senior party leaders, is confused over selection of candidates for the forthcoming by-elections to Gwalior and Sidhi(ST) Lok Sabha constituencies and Udaypura Assembly constituency.

While the BJP election committee has sent a panel of names to the party high command for the by-poll, the Congress is yet to decide its candidates.

However, the BJP was also confused over the strategy to be adopted for prestigious Gwalior seat, where Scindia family has great influence.

Since the BJP came to power in Madhya Pradesh in 2003, so far six by-polls had taken place in the state.

Barring Balaghat assembly by-poll, the BJP had emerged victorious in by-poll to Vidisha Lok Sabha seat besides assembly by-polls in Nohta, Budhni, Malehra and Pandhana.

For the Congress, these by-polls are an opportunity to prove its mettle before state assembly elections in 2008 after being defeated in five by-polls and rocked by internal dissension.

Congress sources said MP Jyotiraditya Scindia will be given preference from Gwalior, while Union Minister Arjun Singh will play an important role in Sidhi.

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