Jaipur: Rajasthan may soon be compensated for inadequate representation in the Union Cabinet. There is speculation that expelled leader Jaswant Singh might be taken back into the party and given an important role by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is learnt that after taking oath, Mr Modi has written a letter to Mr Singh, acknowledging his contribution to the party and seeking help in nation-building. This is being pointed out as an indication of Mr Singh’s return to the party to utilise his vast experience and knowledge on foreign matters as he had successfully worked for ending India’s isolation in the world after nuclear experiment in 1998.
Earlier, Mr Singh had met Mr L.K. Advani and Mr Rajnath Singh last week what was claimed to be a courtesy call. More than Mr Advani, it was the meeting with Mr Rajnath Singh that started rumour mills about his return to the party. The state unit’s apparent reluctance in taking up further action against his MLA son Manvendra Singh for campaigning for his father is also cited as another evidence of the party cosying up to veteran leader.
Mr Jaswant Singh had filed his nomination from Barmer against the party candidate, following which he alleged that outsiders who do not believe in the BJP’s ideology have taken over the party. This led to his expulsion from the party and his son Manvendra was also removed from the national council and issued showcause notice following the local party unit’s complaint that he was campaigning for his father.
The decision to include him may dishearten Ms Vasundhara Raje, whom Mr Jaswant Singh had openly held responsible for the party’s decision to deny him a ticket. The fact that despite defying the party decision, Mr Modi’s letter might be interpreted as yet another snub to Ms Raje after inadequate representation to the state in the Union Cabinet.
Ms Raje and Mr Jaswant Singh have had an uneasy relationship. He was believed to be instrumental in making her the party’s chief ministerial candidate in 2003. But differences cropped up, even taking a personal turn when Mr Jaswant Singh’s wife filed a case against Ms Raje for her depiction as a goddess.
