Sheila Dikshit named as Congress' Chief Ministerial candidate for UP polls

Sheila Dikshit's candidature was finalised by Prashant Kishore, who has been roped in as Congress' poll strategist.

New Delhi:

Congress on Thursday announced veteran leader Sheila Dikshit as party's chief ministerial candidate for next year's Assembly polls in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh.

Election strategist Prashant Kishor had recommended that Dikshit should play a major role in the party's poll campaign in the state, as she is a prominent Brahmin face and could help Congress regain support of the electorally sizeable community.

Dikshit is the daughter-in-law of prominent Congress leader from UP, Uma Shankar Dikshit, who was a Brahmin face and had served as a Union minister and Governor for a long time.

Earlier this month, Dikshit, a three-time Delhi Chief Minister, had said as UP's -"daughter-in-law-" she was ready to play any role in the state.

The Brahmin community, a traditional vote bank of Congress, had shifted allegiance to BJP in the aftermath of the Mandir-Mandal politics and a section in Congress feels it should make efforts to win back the support of the community.

A large chunk of Brahmin votes had also gone to Mayawati's BSP in the past when she gave tickets to many candidates belonging to the community. The community's support determines the poll outcome in several seats in central and eastern UP.