The Hindu : New Delhi News : Denied ticket, former Congress MLA joins BSP

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New Delhi

Denied ticket, former Congress MLA joins BSP

New Delhi: In a setback to the Congress ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, its former MLA Netaji Ram Singh on Sunday joined the Bahujan Samaj Party even as two party municipal councillors from South Delhi said they would support him.

Raising the banner of revolt against the party’s reported decision to give ticket to ex-NCP MLA Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from Badarpur constituency, the disgruntled leader alleged that the “loyalists were being ignored.”

Mr. Bidhuri, an MLA from Badarpur seat on NCP ticket, had recently switched sides to join the Congress and is a strong contender for the seat.

Ram Singh also claimed that the BSP had expressed its intention to give him a ticket from Badarpur seat though official announcement in this regard would be made on Monday. Congress co-operators Hemchand Goyal from Badarpur ward and Rajni Dagar from Molar Band ward in Badarpur constituency have not officially joined the BSP, but said they would support Ram Singh.

“I have been associated with the Congress for the past 25 years and yet ignored by its leadership. Mr. Bidhuri has been awarded the ticket only because he has joined the party. My people are upset with the development,” Mr. Singh said.

DPCC Chief Jai Prakash Agarwal, however, said he was unaware of any such development .

“I have not received any resignation letter from any body. Also, since we have not given ticket to any candidate so far, their move is without any reason.

“There are many contenders for one seat. So, such dissatisfaction is bound to happen as only one person will be given the ticket. We will talk to such workers and ensure that their grievances are addressed.” — PTI

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