BJP changes its UP list after striking deal with Yogi

New Delhi, Mar 31 (UNI) Close on the heels of striking an understanding with Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath yesterday, the BJP today effected changes in its original candidates list for the coming elections to Uttar Pradesh assembly.

Senior BJP leader and incharge of U P elections M Venkaiah Naidu told newspersons here the problems with Yogi Adityanath had been sorted out to the satisfaction of all groups.

Following the understanding, the Yogi who had threatened to field candiates in 70 constituencies had withdrawn his list and will campaign for the BJP nominees in Eastern UP and other places if necessary.

The BJP will consider his nominess wherever necessary, he added. He acknowledged the pressure exerted by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other pariwar parties by saying the pact has the blessings of Mahant Avaidyanathji and several nationalist minded organisations who did not want a split in Hindutva votes. The pressure was not just on BJP but the other side also and good sense prevailed, he added.

We have not spoken about the numbers or the candidates. Yogiji had met BJP president Rajnath Singh and L K Advani and other leaders and ultimately the problems have been resolved and 'good atmosphere has been created' for the BJP and the NDA, Mr Naidu said.

Following is the changes in the BJP's list. Mr Ashok Sonkar (Kerakat-R), Mahant Kaushalendra Nath (Tulasipur), Mr Ved Prakash Sinh (Mehdaval), Mr Ashwini Tripathi (Sehjanwa), Mr Shambu Chaudhary (Naurangiya-R), Mr Indramani Gautam (Heisar Bazar-R) and Mr Atul Singh (Ramkola). The last two names have been declared today.

Mr Naidu also announced the BJP would release its poll manifesto at Lucknow on April two in which the party would seek a total mandate for the party for establishing a society free from fear, hunger and corruption. The BJP which has provided good governance in the past would promise to repeat its performance under the leadership of Kalyan Singh. Mr "Kalyan hamara sankalp aur BJP akela vikalp" (Welfare is our commitment and BJP is the only alternative) will be the party's slogan.

UNI