Shekhawat stands by Jaswant

Former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat came out in support of the expelled leader Jaswant Singh and questioned the party’s decision, reports HT Correspondent.

Former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat came out in support of the expelled leader Jaswant Singh and questioned the party’s decision.

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Jaswant (71) went to meet Shekhawat (85) with a copy of his book Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence for which he was expelled from the BJP on Aug 19, two days after its release.

Soon after their meeting, both Rajput leaders discussed Jaswant’s plan to hold a rally in Jaipur on September 22. Shekhawat agreed to attend it.

Shekhawat said: “The way Jaswant was treated was not good. After reading his book, there is a need to praise him..”

“There is a fall in standards in the party (BJP). Indiscipline has increased. According to the people, Jaswant should be with the party and I am with the people,” Shekhawat added.

Shekhawat also appeared to reprimand the BJP for asking Singh to quit Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman's post.

When reporters asked Jaswant Singh about BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's argument that he must quit the post as per convention, Shekhawat answered on his behalf, saying, “BJP leaders should respect Parliamentary conventions and ethics.”

Shekhawat said, “Mutual trust among BJP leaders is decreasing and because of this, there are fissures in the party.” He said if BJP sought his advice, he will definitely provide it. “I don't give unsolicited advice,” he added.