Joining BJP was big-mistake, says Jaswant Singh's son after quitting
In a major blow to Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, lawmaker Manvendra Singh quit the Bharatiya Janta Party on Saturday and called joining the party a big mistake. Manvendra, the son of party veteran Jaswant Singh, announced the decision at Swabhiman rally in Rajasthan's Barmer, where his supporters chanted, "Kamal ka phool, badi bhool" (choosing the Lotus flower was a mistake).
Manvendra leaves decision to 'swabhimaani' janta, with their support quits
Addressing the rally, Manvendra said his decision to quit BJP lied with the 'swabhimaani' janta. When the supporters raised anti-BJP slogans he added, "The decision you have taken is my decision...This campaign will continue and swabhimaan will win." His ties with the BJP were strained after Jaswant Singh was denied a Lok Sabha ticket in 2014, despite holding portfolios in previous NDA government.
We were patient, despite suffering, says Manvendra
"We were patient, and a lot of workers suffered and were harassed. From people holding small positions to officers, none was spared because of (present state dispensation's spite for) me. But they did bear it because swabhimaan runs through their veins," he said.
Manvendra makes serious allegations like phone tapping and CID stalking
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.
About 2014 incident, Manvendra claims PM Modi called to clarify
Speaking about the denial of Barmer ticket to Jaswant Singh, Manvendra claimed he got a call from PM Modi in 2014. "He (Modi) said that whatever happened regarding Barmer (Lok Sabha) ticket was wrong and unfortunate, and he had nothing to do with it," Singh said. Manvendra added a conspiracy was hatched by people in Jaipur and New Delhi, though he didn't take names.
Manvendra's exit and Rajputs' displeasure not good for BJP
Manvendra's exit from BJP is bound to hurt its Rajput vote base. Notably, Rajput Karni Sena's chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was present at the rally, further adding fuel to speculations that the community is upset with the party. About the exit, Rajasthan Congress President Sachin Pilot said the long list of BJP leaders quitting hints all is not well and asked Raje to introspect.
