MLA Gupta may contest Jind bypoll

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jind, January 7

Octogenarian politician Mange Ram Gupta may contest the forthcoming Jind Assembly byelection.

Gupta, who represented Jind four times since 1977, is seen as a formidable candidate. He has contested the Assembly elections eight times. Gupta’s close aides said the leader may announce his decision on Tuesday.

Political sources said all major political parties, including the ruling BJP, Congress, INLD and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), want Gupta to announce his support to their candidates.

INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala visited Gupta at his Jind residence last week whereas Hisar MP and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala had met the veteran politician in November last year to seek his support.

The senior leaderships of the BJP and the Congress are also stated to be in constant touch with Gupta. Though Gupta had recently announced that he would not contest elections, his aides said he was under pressure from various quarters to do it again.

Gupta remains elusive

Gupta’s son and key political strategist Mahavir Gupta told The Tribune on Monday that veteran politician was weighing all options.