New Delhi: Showing signs of rapproachment with BJP, its expelled leader Uma Bharti has directed her party's Gujarat unit to withdraw its candidates from the upcoming assembly polls to ensure that "anti-national forces" do not benefit.

The direction by the Bharatiya Janshakti leader came after her spiritual guru Vishvesha Tirtha of Pejawar mutt asked her to take steps to "consolidate Hindu forces" in Gujarat by withdrawing her party's nominees.

In a letter to Gujarat unit chief Chaitanya Shambu Maharaj, she said the Bharatiya Janshakti (BJS) will be left repenting if "anti-national forces" benefit in the state because of its presence in the electoral race.

The situation in Gujarat is entirely different from the rest of the country, claimed Bharti, who has been blowing hot and cold over the issue of withdrawal of candidates in favour of the BJP. BJS has fielded 60 candidates in Gujarat.

Claiming that Gujarat was a favourable state for the BJS, she said BJP cadres in the state were basically swayamsevaks and ideologically obliged to her party. However, for BJS the prestige of the country is Lord Ram.

Vishvesha Tirtha, on the other hand, said he had detailed talks with many prominent sanyasis on the political situation in Gujarat and it was felt that for "Hindu consolidation" it will be better that "division of Hindu forces are avoided".

"I have instructed my disciple Uma Bharti that it will be advisable for her to consolidate Hindu forces by withdrawing the candidates and thereby clearing confusion in the minds of Hindu society," he said in a statement.

Tirtha said he will continue to have dialogue with the saints in Gujarat to find solutions to their problems. "I have advised Uma Bharti to address Hindu society for consolidation and solution to their problems."

Source : PTI