BJP bets on Kushwaha's popularity in UP

Notwithstanding the controversy over his joining the party, BJP feels that tainted former BSP leader Babu Singh Kushwaha's support to it could bolster its prospects in the elections in Uttar Pradesh.

"Leave aside controversy over his joining....He is not a member of the party now as his membership has been kept in abeyance....His support is helping the party and backwards are rallying around the party due to Kushwaha, who has a say in his community", BJP National Vice President Kalraj Mishra told PTI.

"Not only in Bundelkhand region but also in other parts of the state the BJP is getting support of the backwards due to Kushwaha...They come to us extending their support during election meetings", he claimed.

Kushwaha had joined BJP on January 3 in New Delhi resulting in resentment in the party cadre after which his membership was kept in abeyance. He is now supporting BJP and holding meetings in its favour under the banner of Rastriya Adhikar Manch.

About the opposition's allegations that Kushwaha had given money for entering BJP, Mishra said that these are just political gimmicks.

Kushwaha contacted the party when the UPA government gave 4.5% reservation to minorities from 27% OBC quota and sought party's support to protest the decision, he said.

When asked about the reason for fielding senior leaders like him in the polls, Mishra, who is contesting polls for the first time from Lucknow East seat, said it was to instill a sense of confidence among the public.

"Senior leaders like Uma Bharti, BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi, former state president Ramapati Ram Tripathi, Kesari Nath Tripathi and others are in the fray...This is a party strategy to generate confidence among the masses and to show that BJP is taking elections seriously and could form a government on its own", Mishra said.

On the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party, Mishra said that as of now the party is concentrating in getting the maximum number of seats.

"It will be decided, if need be, by the party parliamentary board. The party knows its present position and future course of action", Mishra said.