Bangalore: Seeking to scotch the campaign of Uma Bharti's loyalists in Madhya Pradesh to reinstate her to Chief Minister's post once she is cleared of a criminal case, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) President M Venkaiah Naidu today (Sep 1, 2004) ruled out change in the leadership in the State.

"There is no proposal and no question of change in leadership in Madhya Pradesh. The leadership issue is settled", Naidu said categorically, while speaking to reporters in Bangalore.

"She (Bharti) will be going around the country after her release (from the jail)", Naidu said when asked about reports from Bhopal that Bharti's loyalists, including some ministers, have begun a campaign for reinstating her once the charges against her were dropped.

Bharti is presently imprisoned in Dharwad after a Hubli Court remanded her to 14 days' judicial custody last month after she surrendered before it following a Non-bailable warrant issued against her.

Demanding that Bharti be reinstated as Chief Minister after her acquittal, Bharti's supporters, including some ministers, claimed in Bhopal earlier today that people's mandate was given to BJP in the State under her leadership.