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Induction of SP leader into BJP draws flak

Staff Correspondent

DEHRA DUN: The induction of the Samajwadi Party leader from Udham Singh Nagar, Rajesh Shukla, into Bharatiya Janata Party to counter the increasing influence of former partyman and now Health Minister Tilak Raj Behad has evoked sharp criticism from the ruling Congress here.

Describing the move as part of a secret agenda between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, Mr. Behad said it would do more harm than good to the BJP as Mr. Shukla was famous for opposing the creation of Uttaranchal and had led a movement seeking the return of Udham Singh Nagar to Uttar Pradesh.

Mr. Behad, who was the Health Minister in the earlier BJP regime also, is said to have grown in stature within the Congress hierarchy and is said to be toying with the idea of forming a new party comprising MLAs from the plain areas of the State in the event of delimitation of constituencies being done before the Assembly elections due next year.

Under the present formula, the number of seats in the plains will increase as compared to the hills.

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Induction of SP leader into BJP draws flak

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