Sanjay will not contest if Vajpayee does

Lucknow, Jan 17 (IANS) Film star Sanjay Dutt Saturday clarified that he will not contest lok Sabha elections from the Lucknow constituency if the sitting MP, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, decides to seek re-election.

'I have tremendous regard for Vajpayee-ji, so if he decides to seek re-election from here, then I would not like to contest against him,' Dutt told mediapersons after his first political road show.

The Samajwadi Party announced last week Dutt would be its candidate for the prestigious seat.

Embarrassed by Dutt's remark, party general secretary Amar Singh clarified: 'It is true that like all of us, Sanjay has a lot of regard for the BJP veteran, but I am aware of Vajpayee's firm decision on not contesting this time.'