Monday, December 19 2005 16:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Claiming that supporters of expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti were considering forming a new party, her loyalist Prahlad Patel today (Dec 19, 2005) said a decision would be taken after her Bhopal-Ayodhya yatra, following which she would lead a public campaign in Andhra Pradesh.

"Discussions (about a new political outfit) are being held but a decision will be taken only after completion of Bharti's yatra," he said in response to reporters' queries.

"We have got proposals, to raise social issues and lead public campaigns, from several states including Andhra Pradesh, Orissa Assam, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal," the former Union Minister and in-charge of Bharti's 'Ram Roti yatra' said.

"Soon after completing her march in Ayodhya, on the occasion of Makar Shakranti on January 14, Umaji will take up the issue of weavers of Karimnagar (AP)," he said alleging that "around 3000 weavers had committed suicide in the district so far."

"Despite allegations of casteism, regionalism and malicious propaganda against her, Umaji's march has turned national," he said, claiming 'overwhelming' public support for the yatra.

To a query, Patel, who has quit BJP a fortnight ago, said, "It doesn't matter which Government is in power (in Andhra Pradesh or in other states). The voice of the people will be raised against those responsible for their problems."

On how issues will be raised without a frontal organisation, Patel said, "Whether the Front will be formed or the people will form it for us, is yet to be seen. But, people have provided Bharti a platform which the party could not."