New Delhi: Independent candidate Ram Jethmalani today (Apr 19, 2004) said that he would fight the Lok Sabha election against Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from Lucknow even as the Congress said it would withdraw its candidate Akhilesh Das.

Asked whether he was now contesting the election against the Prime Minister from Lucknow, Jethmalani said, "Absolutely. Do you still have any doubts? Swamiji is my witness," he said referring to Swami Agnivesh.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...
Political Parties in India

On the confusion over whether he was contesting the election or not, Jethmalani said, "I had my family circumstances and would have had to stay there (London) for 4-5 days more for my son. But by God's grace everything is alright now and I am here."

When asked about the future of Congress candidate from Lucknow, party spokesman Kapil Sibal, who was present along with Jethmalani, said, "The decision of the party is that if Jethmalani gives us the assurance and he is giving it, that there will be a fierce contest against the Prime Minister who has done nothing for the country, then certainly Congress will withdraw its candidate."

"Since Jethmalani is in the fray now, we will have to withdraw our candidate," Sibal added.

Today is the last day for withdrawal of candidature for the Lok Sabha polls in Lucknow.

Earlier, on his return from London last night (Apr 18, 2004), Jethmalani said, "I have repeatedly said that I am a friend of the Prime Minister. He is not my friend."