MP: BSP to support Cong in RS poll, Tankha smells victory

The Bahujan Samaj Party today decided to support Congress Rajya Sabha poll candidate from Madhya Pradesh Vivek Tankha following which his victory is almost certain.
The BSP in a release today said it has decided to support the candidature of Congress nominee (Vivek) Tankha in the biennial polls "with an aim to weaken communal forces".
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Arun Yadav expressed gratitude to BSP chief Mayawati for her support.
"The decision of Mayawati against fascist and communal ideology is a welcome step," Yadav said in a statement.
BJP has fielded noted journalist MJ Akbar and senior party strategist Anil Madhav Dave and both are set to win on the basis of the party's strength in the Assembly.

However, with this development, things seem difficult for Vinod Gotia, an Independent backed by BJP.

Opposition Congress has 57 MLAs and needs just one more vote to ensure victory for its candidate. And now with BSP's decision (4 MLAs), its victory is almost certain now.
For Gotia to win, BJP, which has 50 surplus votes, needs eight more votes.
In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly, BJP has 166 MLAs followed by Congress (57), BSP (4) and Independents (3).
A total of five candidates had filed their nominations for the polls initially but during scrutiny candidature of Jabalpur-based Shashi Stella was rejected.

Now, four candidates in fray for three seats from the state polls for which are scheduled for June 11.