Judeo ready to contest Assly poll

Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh, Aug 2 (UNI) Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Dilip Singh Judeo said here today that he would contest the Assembly election if the party high command permits him.

''Party should select candidates having immaculate and popular image for the Assembly poll scheduled this year end,'' Mr Judeo told UNI.

He asserted that unpopular incumbent MLAs should be deprived of tickets.

''Winnability should be the main criterion for granting tickets and the BJP will soon start the ticket distributing process,'' he said, adding that popularity among public and party workers' opinion would be given importance in the selection of candidates.

Mr Judeo expressed optimism that the BJP would retain in power in Chhattisgarh.

Mr Judeo, who was a main campaigner and took out yatras during the 2003 Assembly hustings, was denied a ticket at that time.

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