BJP does a rethink, invests RS ticket in Shourie from UP

After having first overlooked his claim, the BJP here today announced the re-nomination of former Union minister Arun Shourie for the Rajya ...

After having first overlooked his claim, the BJP here today announced the re-nomination of former Union minister Arun Shourie for the Rajya Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh.

Sources said the party decision was a result of the reaction evoked by the nomination of a newcomer like Najma Heptulla and hotelier Lalit Suri, who had no party affiliation. After having taken the stand that individual talent and utility to the party were the considerations for ticket allotment, the leadership was unable to explain how Heptulla and Suri were more qualified than Shourie on both counts.

BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi merely stated that Shourie will be the party candidate from UP, besides Murli Manohar Joshi.

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Sources said Shourie will be slotted second after Joshi in the allotment of votes.

The third BJP nominee in UP stands a chance of winning in second-preference votes. The Samajwadi Party can also help the BJP indirectly by fielding only six candidates and asking independents under its influence to support the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha.

Chhatrapal Singh will be shifted to Orissa while Suri will be moved to UP in his place. Suri, who was elected as an Independent with BJP support last time, would in a much better position than Singh for mopping up additional votes. Being a non-BJP man, he can seek support across partylines. Open ballot may pose a bit of problem, but he is expected to overcome this, as well.

The 403-member UP Assembly currently has an effective strength of 391. There are as many as 11 vacancies in the Upper House from UP. The BJP with 88 members can win two seats without difficulty and still have 22 votes to spare. Its third nominee needs 10 additional votes to get through.