The Hindu : National : BJP leaders float apolitical front; launch is on November 4

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Sunday, Oct 30, 2005

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National

BJP leaders float apolitical front; launch is on November 4

Staff Reporter

Non-political outfit to take up issues facing the people of Poorvanchal

NEW DELHI: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders led by former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana, former Union Minister Shatrughan Sinha and cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad on Saturday announced the formation of a non-political outfit, Poorvanchal Kranti Sangh, to take up issues facing the people of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

These leaders also claimed the support of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Ramvir Singh Bidhuri in their endeavour. The outfit will be formally launched on November 4.

The decision to launch this outfit is seen as a move to influence the balance of power not only in Delhi but also in various parts of the country.

"Mr. Chandra Shekhar and Mr. Bidhuri have agreed to be present at the launch of the Sangh. The organisation would address issues concerning the people of Poorvanchal and try to resolve the problems faced by them. It would also seek a fair share in the power structure for the people from these regions as they are in a position to influence electoral results in a large number of Assembly and Parliamentary seats," Mr. Khurana said.

Mr. Sinha was not present at the press conference while Mr. Khurana was joined by Mr. Azad who will head the Delhi unit of the outfit.

The former Chief Minister, said the Sangh would have offices in all States that have a substantial presence of people from Poorvanchal. Some prominent personalities hailing from Bihar and UP would also join the Sangh soon, he added.

Asked about the motive of the Sangh, Mr. Khurana said he would not answer any political questions, adding that there was nothing political about the issue. He brushed aside queries about the "real motive" behind the floating of the organisation. He denied that raising people's issue amounted to anti-party activity and refused to comment if the party was aware of this new development.

"Had this been organised under the BJP banner influential people like Chandra Shekhar would not have agreed to participate. The organisation aims at bringing together people from all walks of life and even Mr. Bidhuri, an NCP MLA from Delhi, has agreed to join us,'' Mr. Khurana said.

The organisation will open 16 computerised offices around Delhi and its staff will provide help to people hailing from Poorvanchal in dealing with various problems like making ration cards and voter's identity cards, Mr. Azad said.

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