BJ contacts Sonkar family for Sanver bypoll

Indore, Nov 20 (UNI) The Uma Bharti-led Bharatiya Janshakti (BJ) is holding discussions with family members of late minister Prakash Sonkar, who represented Sanver in Madhya Pradesh assembly, for fielding a relative as a candidate in the upcoming Sanver bypoll.

Former BJ General Secretary Prahlad Patel told reporters here today that the party was holding discussion with Mr Sonkar's relatives.

Earlier, the BJP had assured Mr Sonkar's family to provide ticket to a relative in a bid to get the benefit of sympathy wave. However, it later announced Mr Santosh Malviya as its official candidate.

Earlier, the BJ had declared Mr Malviya as its candidate but he deserted the party and joined the BJP forcing the BJ to look for another candidate.

Political equations have changed following the defeat of former MLA late Dilip Bhatere's wife Dhareshwari Bhatere in the assembly by-poll in Lanji constituency and an interesting contest was expected.

Mr Patel denied possibilities of Ms Bharti contesting bypoll from Khargone Lok Sabha seat saying that the party was considering to field her from Khargone.

UNI