l Miffed Yashodhara Raje skips official functions
l Raghunandan Sharma, Sartaj come out in her support
BHOPAL: The controversy over CM Shivraj Singh’s comment that the Scindia ruling family, in cahoots with the British, had committed atrocities against the people of Bhind, seems to be snowballing into a major issue. After an emotional rejoinder by sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, her supporters within the party have closed ranks. Yashodhara skipped an official function at passport office in Gwalior on Sunday and also did not reach Ater for campaigning.
Senior party leaders Raghunandan Sharma and Sartaj Singh, in separate statements, have extended their support to Yashodhara. Sartaj Singh said, “If anyone’s family is attacked, she is bound to be pained,” adding, “Many leaders in the BJP owe their standing in the party to Rajmata Scindia.” He said he was a witness to the hard work and dedication of Rajmata.
Raghunandan Sharma said Rajmata’s contribution to the strengthening of the BJP in the state could never be forgotten. “Besides spending her money, she had also given her sweat and blood to the party,” he said.
On Sunday, Hirendra Bahadur Singh, a member of the state executive of the party said Chouhan seemed to have made the statement under pressure from someone. He said the comment was unwarranted and eminently avoidable. He even went to the extent of saying that he hoped in future, the CM would refrain from saying such things.
Chouhan’s comment has infuriated the members of the Scindia family. Sources say Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia has complained to the party’s national leadership against Chouhan and has discussed the issue with the state and Central organisational leaders. The Scindia family is mounting pressure on Chouhan to withdraw his statement.
Chouhan is yet to come out with any explanation on the issue. Sources say the CM’s comment was a reaction to Jyotiraditya Scindia jumping into the poll campaign at the eleventh hour. Sources also said the statement might hurt the BJP’s poll prospects in Ater.
