MP: Sabnani, Uma Bharti's aide, rejoins BJP

Bhopal, Aug 12: Mr Bhagwandas Sabnani, a close associate of Bharatiya Jan Shakti founder- President Uma Bharti, on Tuesday, Aug 12 rejoined BJP after a brief stint in the new political outfit formed by the Sadhvi after her expulsion from BJP more than two years ago.

Several hundred workers of BJS also joined the BJP along with Mr Sabnani, BJP sources said.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh BJP president Narendra Singh Tomar, state BJP Organising Secretary Makhan Singh and Health Minister Dr Gauri Shankar Shejwar were also present when Mr Sabnani rejoined BJP, the sources added.

Former Union Minister Prahlad Patel, a close aide of Uma Bharti, had recently distanced himself from the Sadhvi and was reportedly heading a faction of BJS amid indications of the return of majority of BJS rank and file to their parent party BJP. Mr Patel was General Secretary of BJS.

The BJP leaders described as 'Ghar Vapasi' (home return) Mr Sabnani's reentry into BJP and expressed optimism that BJP will retain power under Mr Chouhan's leadership.

Mr Chouhan also stressed the need for concerted efforts to ensure BJP's victory in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Mr Sabnani said he was returning to BJP to protect values and to ensure the prosperity of the poor.

Mr Raghunandan Sharma, who left BJP along with Uma Bharati and was made state chief of BJS, later returned to BJP and he was elected to Rajya Sabha on BJP ticket.

UNI