Denied ticket, BJP MP Prabhatsinh Chauhan says he will contest

Prabhatsinh Chauhan, BJP MP from Panchmahal in Gujarat who has been denied ticket by the party this time, announced Thursday that he would contest the Lok Sabha election nonetheless.

Asked if he will join another party or fight as an independent, 77-year-old Chauhan, a two-time MP since 2009, refused to reveal his plans.

"I will fight this election from Panchmahal. I will fight and win. I will file my nomination papers on April 1. I can not reveal more at present," Chauhan told PTI.

Earlier during the day, Gujarat NCP chief Jayant Patel had claimed that Chauhan was in touch with his party.

The BJP has dropped Chauhan and chosen independent MLA Ratansinh Rathod as candidate from Panchmahal.

Soon after winning in the 2017 assembly polls, Rathod extended support to the ruling BJP.

He said he was confident that Chauhan would not leave the party.

"Prabhatsinh is a two-time MP. He is like a mentor to me. Though he is upset, we are trying to mollify him. We all are confident that he will not leave BJP," said Rathod.

Parakramsinh Jadeja, BJP leader in-charge of Panchmahal district, also expressed confidence that Chauhan will be pacified.

"BJP has a rule that those who have crossed the age of 75 would not be given ticket. This was the only reason to drop him. He will always remain a respected figure....we are sure he will work to ensure BJP's victory," Jadeja said.