Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to congratulate him on his impressive win and said those responsible for the party’s humiliating defeat “should be taught a lesson”.
In remarks that may not go down well with the BJP leadership, the actor-turned-politician described Kumar as a “tried, tested and successful” Chief Minister who was the “most respectable” after former West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu “among friends in the opposition”.
Sinha, who has been severely critical of BJP leadership, particularly those in the state unit, after he was left out of the campaign for the state Assembly polls, said he was not aware if any action was being contemplated against him, but rejected suggestions that he was a “shatru” (enemy) of the party.
“Even if action is not taken (against those responsible for BJP’s defeat), they should be taught a lesson. Even former Home Secretary R K Singh, who is a leader of our party, has said responsibility should be fixed,” he told journalists at Kumar’s residence.
Sinha, MP from Patna Sahib, said his meeting Kumar should not be misconstrued as defiance of the party. “Prime Minister has congratulated him, my friend and Home Minister Rajnath Singh and others have congratulated him. It should be taken in a healthy spirit, in a spirit of healthy politics.”
Lauding Kumar, he said,”He got full support of the people, their love. In matters of law and order, development, good governance, Nitish Babu made great contribution…There was no anti-incumbency against him…His track record has been very good.”
“I respected Jyoti Babu a lot. After him, among our friends in the opposition, Nitish Babu is the most respectable and nice man,” he said.
Asked if the party was considering action against him for his critical comments made during the election, Sinha said,”I and not aware…I don’t think I have done anything for which action should be taken against me. But, if at all, somebody wants to take action, I cannot prevent it.”
When a reporter said some considered him a ‘shatru’ of BJP, he retorted,”It is not true. Had BJP considered me an enemy, how would have I been there for such a long time. I have been with the party since the time it had just two MPs to now when it has a complete majority.”
“I have said it is my first and last party. I don’t think BJP considers me an enemy,” he said.