Will put up formidable candidates against Rahul, Sonia: BJP

The BJP said it will put up "formidable" candidates from Amethi and Rae Bareli amid speculation that actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani could be fielded against Rahul Gandhi and Uma Bharti against Sonia Gandhi.

New Delhi: The BJP on Friday said it will put up "formidable" candidates from Amethi and Rae Bareli amid speculation that actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani could be fielded against Rahul Gandhi and Uma Bharti against Sonia Gandhi.

"We will put formidable candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli," BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi told reporters here today. Rahul is contesting from Amethi while Sonia Gandhi is contesting from Rae Bareli. Both the constituencies in Uttar Pradesh are considered to be Gandhi family strongholds. Asked whether BJP is considering to field Irani and Bharati, Trivedi maintained suspense, saying "Many suggestions have come from all quarters for certain parliamentary seats. But finally the party takes a decision considering all aspects and suggestions." Congress has also said that it will nominate a heavyweight candidate against BJP`s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Varanasi. The party has fielded Madhusudhan Mistry against Modi in Vadodara. The BJP also expressed grief over the IAF plane crash in Gwalior and demanded inquiry into the incident to find out the reasons of the mishap.