Disgruntled BJP MLA to organise ‘show of strength’

Disgruntled BJP MLA Manvendra Singh said Friday that he will take a decision on his political future after a public meeting being seen by many as a show of strength.

His swabhiman (self-respect) rally on September 22 comes amid speculation that former Union minister Jaswant Singh’s son may snap his relations altogether with the Bharatiya Janata Party. But the MLA from Sheo constituency in Barmer is reluctant to talk about it.

“The rally is all about ‘swabhiman’ of all those who are with us. It is not a meeting of one caste or community and it will be attended by people from ‘chhattees quom’ (all communities),” the Rajput leader said, using a term which translates literally as “36 communities”.

“Based on the outcome of the rally, I will take my political decision,” he told PTI. Singh is travelling around in western Rajasthan, mobilising support.

His wife Chitra Singh is also campaigning for the rally, speaking against CM Vasundhara Raje. The family’s relations with Raje worsened after BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh was denied the party ticket from Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

The MLA was “suspended” from the party for campaigning for his father, instead of the BJP’s official candidate Sonaram — who had switched over from the Congress.

BARMER/JODHPUR: