The BJP was caught on the wrong foot when Hema Malini, party MP from Mathura, posted pictures on Twitter of herself shooting for a film in Madh Island, even as violence raged in her Lok Sabha constituency.

Hema Malini uploaded a series of tweets with pictures of herself dressed in a pink sari, raving about how easy it has become to reach “Madh Island from Mumbai” and “hoping for an early release of this film”.

However, the moment television channels started commenting on the MP’s sense of propriety, she deleted the tweets and uploaded a fresh tranche, commenting on how she is “a very sensitive person” and how “deeply pained” she was on the “Mathura incident”.

She also underlined that she would visit Mathura but how, more important than her presence, was the presence of law and order.

She tweeted: “I just came back from Mathura and got the news of violence that has taken place there in which policemen have lost their lives.”

“Heartfelt condolences to the families of SP (City) Mukul Dwivedi and SHO Santosh Kumar who laid down their lives in the line of duty. I fervently appeal to the people of Mathura to remain calm and not get misguided by violent elements.”

Defence mode

Ashen-faced BJP spokespersons defended the MP while the party leaders reportedly questioned the MP. According to party spokesperson Sambit Mahapatra, the Mathura MP and superstar had taken up the “matter in a very sensitive manner” and would be reaching Mathura at the earliest to take stock of the situation.

Deep concern

“First and foremost, the moment Hemaji came to know of it, and we have all seen that, she had taken up the matter in a very sensitive manner. She has expressed deep concern and is considering going there.

“She will soon reach Mathura,” he said. Party national secretary Shrikant Sharma, who was an aspirant for the BJP ticket for Mathura before it was allotted to Hema Malini, was in Mathura, attacking the ruling Samajwadi Party, when he was repeatedly questioned about the MP’s absence.

“I have heard your questions and will give my answer…I know you have a right to ask questions and I will reply in the best way I can. Hema Maliniji is coming to Mathura tomorrow,” said Sharma.

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