Balendu to consider proposal to join BSP

Gwalior, Aug 9 (UNI) Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh minister Balendu Shukl today said he would consider joining the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) if such an offer was made.

Talking to reporters here on the occasion of being appointed International Brahmin Organisation's state president, Mr Shukl said he was in the Congress and would remain in the party.

''I have not received any direct or indirect proposal from the BSP in this regard,'' he said.

On what would be his next step if he received a proposal in this regard, Mr Shukl said he would consider the proposal.

''Any proposal should be given due consideration but decision is our prerogative. Whether the answer would be positive or negative could not be said at this point of time,'' he said.

On whether he would lend support of International Brahmin Organisation to a political party if asked for, he said he saw nothing wrong in it.

The BSP had achieved majority in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections by enlisting support of Brahmins. It was being expected that the BSP would experiment the formula in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Under such circumstances, all eyes are set on those Brahmin leaders, who were feeling marginalised by their parties.

UNI