Ranchi: In a pre-poll phenomenon plaguing various political parties of the state, the MLA of Majhgaon Barkunwar Gagrai today announced his desire to contest Lok Sabha election from Singhbhum constituency.
Gagrai is likely to contest the polls on an AJSU ticket, though no announcement has been made in this regard by the party as yet. His discontent has come forth as a reaction to BJP�s decision to give Lok Sabha election ticket to MLA Laxman Gilua from the Singhbhum seat. Gagrai had been eyeing this seat for a long time, sources said.
The announcement came following a meeting convened by Gagrai with his close advisors and political companions.
Anxious over the ongoing resentment on part of Gagrai and his supporters, senior party leaders made several calls to him without succeeding in their effort to persuade Gagrai. Gilua and West Singhbhum president of the party Sanjay Pandey went to meet him at his residence, but could not get an appointment.
�It is my personal decision which has reflections of sentiments of party workers and my supporters. I was silent on the candidature of Gilua who was given ticket on 13th March last. But he (Gilua) recently issued a statement saying he is least bothered about my candidature prospects. This led me and my supporters to think seriously about my candidature,� said Gagrai.
Meanwhile, Laxman Gilua, claimed he had not made any statement which could hurt Gagrai. �I have not said anything that could have hurt Gagrai or anyone. But still, if Gagrai is offended in any manner, I will try to persuade him personally,� he said.