Sibal gets a boost, JD (S) candidate withdraws

Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency is likely to witness a virtual direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress with Janata Dal (S) candidate Shoaib Iqbal opting out of the race in favour of Congress candidate Kapil Sibal.

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"I spoke to Shoaib Iqbal. He put four conditions before me. I gave assurance to fulfil these demands. Shoaib agreed and said that he would not be filing his nomination papers in Chandni Chowk for the Lok Sabha polls," Sibal told reporters on Thursday.

Shoaib, whose candidature in Chandni Chowk in 1998 and 1999 had led to division of Muslim Votes and defeat of Congress candidates, wanted continuance of Ramlila in the famous ground near the Red Fort, a transit camp for Ajmer-bound pilgrims near the fort and establishment of a Chandni Chowk Development Board to restore the pristine glory of the historical area, he said.

The fourth condition is not known.