The BJP on Monday described as “routine” the spectacle of senior leader Jaswant Singh contesting against the party’s official candidate in Barmer. Jaswant simultaneously mounted an offensive against the BJP’s “obsession” with Narendra Modi and the personality cult around him.
Jaswant Singh, one of the founder members of the BJP, officially became a rebel on Monday. Having been denied the party ticket from Barmer in Rajasthan, he filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate this afternoon.
He took the opportunity to deride the party leadership, particularly BJP President Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
“I had suggested Vasundhara Raje's name for Chief Minister. I pitched for Rajnath Singh for President. Both of them have betrayed me,” Jaswant said while addressing his supporters in Barmer.
However, he refused to officially quit the BJP. “I will not say good-bye till the party says goodbye,” he said.
Attacks Modi He then attacked Modi. “ NaMo NaMo ka jo tamasha hai (this circus around NaMo) and the way decisions are being taken nowadays reminds me of 1975 — the tradition of being inclusive has reduced, arrogance has increased,” he said.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi described Jaswant’s decision to contest as “unfortunate” but maintained that such “incidents are not unusual in the election season”.
He said anger and protests against distribution of ticket is a matter of routine.
“In the election season, political parties reserve a few phases for people to express their angst and anger against ticket distribution. So, while officially this election is being conducted in nine phases, we have two phases reserved for tiding over internal conflicts with regard to ticket distribution.
“When candidates are selected, naturally we cannot please everyone. Some will be angry. I wish Jaswant Singhji had not taken this extreme step.
“But after a few days, all these minor issues get settled and the party always fight as one force,” added Naqvi.