GGP heading for split in MP

Bhopal, July 24 (UNI) The Gondwana Ganatantra Party (GGP), which emerged as a tribal vote-puller in Madhya Pradesh's Mahakaushal region, seems to be heading for a split with Mr Manmohan Shah Batti being removed today from the post of legislature party leader.

Earlier, GGP state President Gulzar Singh Markam was unseated in favour of Mr K S Kumre. ''That is mere propaganda and I am still in charge of the state unit,'' claimed Mr Markham.

The party today issued a release replacing Mr Batti with Mr Ramgulam Uike.

The Assembly has three GGP members and among them Mr R Uike and Mr Darbu Singh Uike support Mr Markam. The impending split became evident during the 13th presidential election when the party did not make its inclination clear. It is believed that Mr Batti supported the Congress while the two others leaned towards the BJP.

''I learnt through media about my removal. I will discuss the matter with senior leaders,'' said Mr Batti.

UNI