BJP veteran attends Cong function in MP

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) leader and former chief minister Babulal Gaur on Friday attended a function organised by Congress on the occasion of release of a book titled ‘ Chhindwara model of development’, leaving the saffron camp red- faced.

The book detailed developmental works being undertaken by Madhya Pradesh ( MP) Pradesh Congress Committee ( PCC) president Kamal Nath in his parliamentary constituency, Chhindwara, which he described as ‘ Chhindwara model of development’.

Mr Gaur who has been sulking ever since he was removed from the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government last year for crossing 70 years of age, not only attended the function organised in the state Congress headquarters, but also was effusive in his praise of Mr Nath.

His actions coming ahead of Assembly elections, due in the state in November- December this year, have perplexed the state BJP leadership.

“The chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state party president Rakesh Singh and party’s organisation secretary Suhash Bhagat have taken note of it. They will take a decision on it very soon,” said Rajnish Agrawal BJP spokesman.

Mr Gaur however defended his actions saying, “I only attended the function to release the book. I have not gone through the contents of the book”.

The book was critical of performance of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

Mr Gaur who has held his Govindapura Assembly constituency since 1980 without a break, however, said he supported Mr Nath’s vision of development which led to all round growth.