Rajasthan: BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh's son Manvendra to join Congress
What's the story
Manvendra Singh, son of BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh, will join Congress on Wednesday. In September, he had left the BJP at a 'Swabhimaan Rally' in Rajasthan's Barmer district.
Confirming the speculations about his destination Congress, Manvendra told India Today, "Yes, I will be joining Congress."
Rajasthan Congress Chief Sachin Pilot said Manvendra would be joining the party on the auspicious occasion of Mahaashtami.
Decision
Manvendra, his wife and others to join Congress
Speculations about Manvendra joining the grand old party became rife after he and his wife criticized the Vasundhara Raje led government.
Sources also claim that apart from Manvendra and his wife Chitra, few others will also be joining Congress.
With elections scheduled for December 7 and anti-incumbency facing the Raje government, Manvendra's decision will certainly impact BJP.
Words
Quitting BJP, Manvendra said choosing lotus was a big mistake
Announcing his exit from the saffron party, Manvendra told a sea of his supporters that the lotus (BJP's symbol) was a big mistake.
He claimed many were harassed but he remained patient. But, not anymore.
"From people holding small positions to officers, none was spared because of me. But they did bear it because swabhimaan runs through their veins," Manvendra said.
Allegations
Manvendra leveled serious allegations of phone tapping against state government
Manvendra said he never spoke publicly about the worrying issues and took it up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National President Amit Shah.
"But when decision-makers, and people holding such posts, give such decisions a miss or sidestep them, then there is a limit to patience," he added.
He alleged phones were tapped and CID followed those, who defied the Government.
Strained bonds
Denial of Lok Sabha ticket to Jaswant Singh worsened relationships
Notably, the relationship between BJP and Manvendra got strained after his father Jaswant, one of the founding members of BJP and former defense minister, was denied a ticket from Barmer in 2014 elections.
About this Manvendra said, PM Modi called him to say it wasn't his decision. Manvendra added this shows a conspiracy was hatched by people in Jaipur.