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The decision was made following talks with party chief Rajnath Singh, who along with LK Advani and Arun Jaitley launched the poll campaign in the state by addressing a rally in Gorakhpur on Sunday.
"We all know that Kusum Rai was closely associated with Singh and she has always been with him in most of his poll campaigns," said a senior party leader. She is well versed with his style and "her campaigning in seats like Etah, Etawah, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Agra will certainly make a difference for us."
On her part, Rai said: "I have always been loyal to the party and will remain so. I will campaign wherever I am told. We are trying to win more seats in UP." Asked about the "Kalyan belt", she said, "There is nothing like that. Hum poorey Uttar Pradesh mein kaam karenge."
When the BJP nominated Rai to the Rajya Sabha last year, it was seen as an attempt to placate Kalyan Singh, who had been sulking ever since his role in the assembly elections was cut down. But even after he left the party, Rai stayed back. Party leaders feel she has already shown her usefulness. State election in-charge Kalraj Mishra said: "Kusum Rai has made it clear that she is with the party and is working for its benefit." Asked about reports that she will be campaigning in the "Kalyan belt", Mishra said, "Why not? She will campaign wherever we feel she fits in."
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