RS nomination row: JMM warns BJP over Anshuman Mishra

Ranchi: Confusion continues over the BJP's Rajya Sabha nominee from Jharkhand. UK-based businessman Anshuman Mishra is scheduled to withdraw his name on Thursday after opposition from senior BJP leaders, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has threatened the BJP with consequences if its MLAs abstain from voting.

But the state BJP is adamant on keeping Mishra away.

"The BJP will not support Anshuman Mishra in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. He must withdraw his nomination," said Jharkhand BJP President Dineshanand Goswami.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has threatened the BJP with consequences if its MLAs abstain from voting.

However, on Wednesday, Mishra dismissed reports of him giving up his nomination for Rajya Sabha following objection by senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha.

Mishra had also hit out at veteran leader LK Advani, saying those who admire Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah must think about retirement.

"BJP leaders who are 85 years old and are admirers of Jinnah should think of their retirement now," he said.

Mishra further said, "I have not received any order from the BJP, NDA or JD(U). I am preparing myself for elections. I am not aware of what is going on within BJP. I have spoken to the MLAs and all are supporting me. Twenty MLAs have given me their assurance. Yashwant Sinha never met me. Ask him under whose influence and motivation he is doing this."

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