Hoshangabad, MP: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and former Union minister Sartaj Singh – who had been seeking ticket from Seoni-Malwa in Madhya Pradesh’s Hoshangabad District – today announced to join the Congress.
Mr Singh made the announcement in this regard before media. He said that he would contest on Congress ticket from Hoshangabad seat. He would file his nomination papers tomorrow.
Mr Singh is a sitting legislator from Seoni-Malwa. He was serving as the Public Works Department Minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan regime. He was removed from the post of minister two years ago citing old age. He wished to contest on the BJP ticket from Seoni-Malwa again.
However, the party was not ready for it. His name was not included in the BJP’s third list released today. In a hectic day of political development, Mr Singh joined the Congress this afternoon. Several rounds of deliberations with senior leaders failed to yield any result. Meanwhile, the Congress’ state leadership remained in contact with Mr Singh.
Earlier, Mr Singh broke down into sobs in front of his die-hard supporters in Seoni-Malwa. He took their advice on his next strategy, and the latter pledged them their full support.
Mr Singh had gone to a bank along with a few Congress leaders this morning and opened a bank account. Congress leader Rajendra Thakur purchased a form in Mr Singh’s name from the office of District Returning Officer.