BJP mulling over 5 names for mayoral candidate in Bareilly
BAREILLY : Three days after the Samajwadi Party released the names of its mayoral candidates for the civic polls scheduled later this month, probables from the Bharatiya Janta Party are making rounds to get themselves nominated for the seat.
In Bareilly, a total of 36 candidates submitted their nomination to the party for the mayor’s post. The list was vetted by BJP MLA and party general secretary Pankaj Singh in two phases, yet no name was finalised.
“The party has shortlisted five names which are under consideration . The name of the final candidate is expected to be released on Friday,” said Umesh Katheriya, district BJP chairman . Katheria with other party members attended a party meeting in Agra on Wednesday to finalise the names. According to senior party sources, a doctor and a businessman-turned-politician are the front runners for the position . “Both these candidates have received support from equal number of local representatives. Their merits are being discussed before a final decision is taken,” said a senior party member privy to the selection meeting in Agra.
INFIGHTING IN SP
Days after the announcement of incumbent mayor Dr IS Tomar as SP mayoral candidate , infighting has started in the party.
Dr Anil Sharma, a local Samajwadi Party member who also fought assembly elections, has criticised the selection of Tomar and accused local SP leaders of ‘misguiding’ senior party members. Sharma also accused a number of local party leaders of misusing the party’s funds for personal use. On the other hand, Sublesh Yadav, district president of Samajwadi Party has denied Sharma’s allegations and appealed to party members to concentrate on the upcoming election. Polling for the civic elections in Bareilly will be held on November 29.