Date:19/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/19/stories/2005051907331200.htm

National

I will pursue cause of dharma: Uma Bharti

Staff Correspondent

HASSAN: The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Uma Bharti, says she will not desert her "karmakshetra" and will pursue, as did Arjuna in the Mahabharata, the cause of dharma as advised by her guru Sri Vishvesa Tirtha of the Pejavar Mutt.

The Congress and the Communist parties are her immediate opponents and she will not leave her "karmakshetra" (politics) until they are routed, Ms. Bharti told presspersons here on Wednesday. She was on her way to Udipi to attend the 75th birthday of Sri Vishvesa Tirtha on Thursday.

Refusing to comment on the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee handing over the BJP leadership to L.K. Advani, she said she wished them a very long life. "I am like their daughter, and it will be cruel on my part to speak about who leads the party after them."

On reports of Mr. Advani holding a general secretary slot vacant for her, Ms. Bharti said nobody in the party discussed the matter with her. "I am an ordinary member and will take up any job assigned by the high command."

Asked about reports of her supporters in Madhya Pradesh being sidelined by Chief Minister Babulal Gaur, Ms. Bharti said he was also her supporter.