Varun likely to file his nomination papers next week

NEW DELHI: Varun Gandhi, who has got a breather from the Supreme Court on Thursday, is likely to file his nomination papers to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Pilibhit next week.

"Maneka Gandhi is slated to file her nomination on Saturday from Aaonla in Uttar Pradesh. Varun would be filing his nomination from Pilibhit on Monday or Tuesday. It is an individual decision of the two people and party has no role in it," a senior BJP leader said.

Both Aaonla and Pilibhit would go to polls in the fifth and final phase on May 13.

The Supreme Court today ordered Varun Gandhi's release on parole for two weeks after he gave an undertaking to Etah jail authorities that he will not make inflammatory speeches.

Although party sources confirmed that some senior state party functionaries are likely to accompany both Menaka and Varun to file their nomination papers, the leadership is divided on whether Varun Gandhi should accompany his mother.

Accusing parties opposing BJP of having created violence in Pilibhit, a saffron party leader said: "We are anticipating a repeat of what happened in Pilibhit when Varun Gandhi went to court arrest. The opposition may use the occasion to disrupt the harmony. The episode may then further invite the court's ire," a BJP leader said.

He said majoirty of party leaders are of the view that Varun Gandhi "should make maximum public appearance during the two weeks time since party supporters want him to campaign."