BJP MLA's supporters protest Khanduri's nomination

Kotdwara Garhwal (Uttarakhand), Jan 4: Supporters of the sitting BJP MLA from here have protested against the party's decision to allow Chief Minister B C Khanduri to fight the forthcoming Assembly elections from the Kotdwara seat.

At a press conference attended by BJP's District Woman Unit president Asha Baniyal, BJP MLA Shailendra Singh Rawat's close confidante Sanjiv Kothari asked why he was denied a ticket when he had done a "good job" in the constituency. Khanduri could have chosen other seats, he said, claiming that such decisions discourage honest party workers who are in the field.

When contacted, Rawat said he cannot help if his supporters protest and that he was disappointed for not being given an opportunity to represent the constituency again but would work for the party as an "obedient worker."

Sources said that Rawat was denied the ticket to the seat because of his proximity to ex-Chief Minister Ramesh Nishank, whom he had supported for the post two years ago.

PTI