I am ready to step down for Uma: Gaur

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur on Tuesday said he was ready to quit to make way for his predecessor Uma Bharti, a day after Karnataka government announced its intentions to withdraw cases against her.

"I am ready to step down if asked by the central BJP leadership as I took over the office on its directive and support by party MLAs," Gaur told reporters in an informal discussion in Bhopal.

Speculation was rife in the political circles that Bharti might be reinstalled as the chief minister if the charges against her were dropped.

Bharti's supporters were jubiliant, while Congress leaders claimed the fiery sanyasin was 'aiming to topple' BJP president Venkaiah Naidu, if denied a comeback here.

"BJP high command has to take the decision and individual interests are of no relevance in the party," Gaur said. He added that the matter will settle once the details of Karnataka government's move was made clear.

The BJP state president Kailash Joshi welcomed the withdrawal of the case 'due to people's pressure'.