Kolkata: The battle for the control of M P Birla group is set for an interesting turn following indications that a number of new claimants were planning to jump into the fray for a share in the Rs 5000 crore pie.

The new challenge is expected from the family members of Gajanan Birla's second wife as it was confirmed today (July 27, 2004) that a prominent lawyer of the metropolis has been approached in this regard.

"Gita Sanghi, daughter of Gajanan Birla, has consulted me in this regard," Promode Khaitan, who was once part of Birla's solicitor firm, Khaitan & Company, told.

Asked whether Sanghi has decided to put in her claim, he said, "she has not yet given the green signal, but once she gives the signal, I am inclined to represent her and stake claim on the property on her behalf."

Sanghi is one of the three children of Gajanan Birla, brother of M P Birla, from his second wife, Sumitra. There is one more daughter, Anjali Sawhney, and son, late Madhukar Birla's wife Radhika and two children.

Emergence of a second family of Gajanan Birla, has now given a new twist to the succession drama as till now Yashovardhan Birla, grandson of Gajanan from first wife, was believed to be the only direct blood relation of M P Birla.

The new development came only a day after Birla's lawyer confirmed that M P Birla's two sisters, Lakshmi Devi Newar and Radha Mohta, were also with the Birlas in their fight against family's auditor, Rajendra S Lodha, for control of M P Birla group.