Speculations mount about Uma-Prahlad patch up

Bhopal, Oct 26 (UNI) Speculations mounted about patch up between Bharatiya Jan Shakti President Uma Bharti and her former close confidante Prahlad Patel with both leaders holding discussions today after a gap of eleven months.

Ms Bharti reached the house of MLA Jalam Singh Patel, younger brother of Mr Patel, and stayed there for one-and-half hours.

In the meantime, Mr Prahlad Patel reached there and both had discussion for about five minutes before he left.

BJS sources said Ms Bharti talked to Mr Jalam Singh Patel for a long time but did not divulge what transpired between them.

Mr Prahlad Patel told UNI that he had discussion with Ms Bharti for five minutes but he would not disclose about the discussion.

On whether he would work with Ms Bharti again, he said, ''I would prefer to remain silent on this matter at present. However, we both are of the view that all parties should work together to keep the BJP and the Congress out of power.'' On whether he would accept Ms Bharti's leadership, Mr Patel said there was no question about leadership at present. He reiterated he would prefer to remain silent at present.

Meanwhile, Ms Bharti, while talking to reporters at Mr Jalam Singh Patel's residence here, diplomatically said, ''When were we separated? We both share similar objective of keeping the BJP and the Congress away from power.'' She said policies of both these parties were not in the interest of the country or Hindutva. As such, all other parties have to come together as a part of a new ideology for which she was making efforts.

Earlier, Ms Bharti was unable to hold a press conference here last evening due to shoulder pain. She remained in a private hospital for about three hours before returning home.

Meanwhile, state BJS (Prahlad Patel) General Secretary Vikas Veerani said the party has announced candidates from 19 assembly seats. The party intends to fight from 45 seats in Mahakaushal region along with other parties.

The Uma Bharti-led BJS has also announced candidates from 83 assembly seats so far.

UNI PKJ-PS SY HS1527