Second thought over contesting Betul by-poll

Bhopal, Jan 20: Some of the leaders from both BJP and Congress are now deliberating second thoughts after they learnt from New Delhi that the next round of general elections would be held under new set up with modified constituencies, and Betul would be a reserved seat. These leaders are distancing themselves from Betul Lok Sabha by-election because the representative would have only 11 month tenure. Ironical, Congress and the ruling BJP are shying away from prestigious contest, as the tenure of the representative would be short as both of them have non-ST leaders in the fray.

This is the last show of strength before the November 2008 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and next year's general elections. The reason behind probable candidates distancing from this by-election is that delimitation commission’s recommendations accepted by the Centre to hold next round ie 2009 Lok Sabha elections as per new constituencies in which Betul figures as reserved for scheduled tribe. Political observers believe that no candidate wants to spend money and resources just for 11 months. There were talks that Union Minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul would contest this by-election considered prestigious for both the major parties. However, Nath has declined to field his son claiming that this would be waste of power only for 11 months. However, he was affirmative for his son contesting assembly elections.

Political observers believe that both the parties should consider Scheduled Tribe candidates in the by-election so that the candidate would be fielded in next general elections without any problem. Following this, the BJP has recently received a suggestion and making efforts to field Forest Minister Vijay Shah. However, sources said the minister instead of his candidature; is willing to field his brother Ajay Shah, who is a government employee.

Sitting MP late Vijay Khandelwal’s son Hemant is also a possible candidate from BJP to gain sympathy votes. Hemant is ready only with a hope that winning this by-poll would confirm his chances of getting ticket in assembly elections. On the other hand, opposition Congress has local aspirants Hemant Wagadre, Ashok Sawale and Sukhdev Panse, while outsiders include Gufran-e-Azam and Aslam Sher Khan. Surprisingly, the party does not have any possible candidate belonging to ST and this might land it into problems.