In a set back to the Bharatiya Janata Party in eastern Uttar Pradesh, its rebel parliamentarian from Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday announced plans to field 70 to 75 candidates in 14 districts of the region, claiming that he was humiliated in the party.
Disclosing this at a press conference, he said the candidates will be fielded under the banner of Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha in 14 districts of Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Basti and Devipatan divisions of eastern UP.
"Our party will field candidates in four divisions of the Uttar Pradesh," he said.
Adityanath said he will finalise his manifesto and list of candidates after consultations with some people.
"I have been insulted in the BJP, although I have been trying to prevent the conspiracy for the past six months," he said.
He said he tried his best to avoid division of Hindu votes but the BJP leaders were less responsive and were giving only assurances.
Adityanath was unhappy over the selection of candidates in eastern UP and efforts were on by the top BJP leadership to placate him during last fortnight but apparently failed.
He was called to Delhi for negotiations a few days ago but the talks failed as he stuck to his demand for change of some candidates who had been given BJP tickets.
Adityanath was also demanding the removal of Ramapati Ram Tripathi, BJP's state secretary hailing from Gorakhpur, and action against those responsible for leaking his candidates list to media.
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