By IANS
New Delhi : Former prime minister Chandra Shekhar’s younger son Neeraj Shekhar will be contesting the Ballia Lok Sabha constituency – fallen vacant due to the death of his father – on the Samajwadi Party ticket, the party said Tuesday.
Chandra Shekhar, who had represented the same constituency for over a decade from the Samajwadi Janata Party, died July 8 after prolonged illness.
He is survived by two sons – Pankaj and Neeraj. There were reports that both were keen to inherit their father’s political legacy.
Samajwadi Party secretary general Ram Gopal Yadav, accompanied by veteran socialist and Chandra Shekhar loyalist Janeshwar Mishra and party spokesman and general secretary Amar Singh, Tuesday announced Neeraj Shekhar would be their candidate.
“The Samajwadi party looked after Chandra Shekhar’s constituency in the past. He (Chandra Shekhar) was a veteran leader of the socialist movement. We are happy he (Neeraj) has sought the Samajwadi Party ticket to contest this election.
“He has the political understanding and perspective to take over the mantle of Chandra Shekhar. Offering Neeraj (a chance) to contest from his father’s constituency is also a reiteration of our commitment to Chandra Shekhar.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Mishra who recalled how he had been groomed and nurtured in politics by Chandra Shekhar and said “I owe it to Chandra Shekhar to now groom this young man to emerge as a political leader of some promise.”
Neeraj admitted that he had also met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, he added: “I had gone to seek cooperation from all, including Atalji. But I will contest only from the Samajwadi Party.”
He also denied any tussle between the brothers on who should contest from Ballia. “As far as I know no one from my family is contesting the Ballia election and I enjoy the support and blessings of bhaisaheb.”
The schedule for the Ballia by-election was initially announced July 27. But due to floods in the area, the poll was postponed. Most other parties have already announced their candidates. The new schedule is expected any time.