'Uma to launch party by mid February'

Prahlad Patel said options for alliance were open but there will be no compromise on the five principles.

Formation of a political outfit under the leadership of expelled BJP leader Uma Bharti is expected to be announced in the second half of February, former Union Minister Prahlad Patel said on Tuesday.

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Discussions are on about the new party's symbol, Patel told reporters in Jabalpur.

The new party will follow the five principles -- Swabhiman, Suraksha, Swadeshi, Shuchita and Suraj, the former BJP leader said adding it might contest assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal due next year.

To a query, Patel said options for alliance were open but there will be no compromise on the five principles.

MLAs and leaders of BSP, SP and Congress had joined Bharti's Ram Roti yatra in Uttar Pradesh, he claimed adding it was a clear indication that they were exploring a third alternative.

Claiming dissidence in Congress and BJP, the Bharti loyalist said several factions in both the parties were yearning for a platform based on principles.