Cong downplays Verma's support for BSP candidate in UPLC poll

Congress on Thursday downplayed its MP Beni Prasad Verma's support to the BSP candidate from Barabanki in the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council polls, saying it has not fielded its candidate in the constituency.

Congress on Thursday downplayed its MP Beni Prasad Verma's support to the BSP candidate from Barabanki in the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council polls, saying it has not fielded its candidate in the constituency.

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"There is no Congress candidate contesting the polls from there. Both the BSP and the SP are also supporting the UPA government from outside," party spokesman Shakeel Ahmed told reporters here.

To a question, he said he was not aware whether Verma was doing it (supporting the BSP candidate) on his own accord or has the sanction of the party leadership on the issue.

"Only the PCC chief of UP or the General Secretary in-charge of the state would be able to answer it," he said.

Earlier, Verma, MP from Gonda, announced his support to BSP candidate from Barabanki.

"I will support Hargobind Singh of BSP in the council elections in Barabanki, because he supported me in the Lok Sabha polls. Moreover, Congress is not contesting on this seat" Verma had said.