BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's son Rahul said he is disappointed with the party (BJP) and accused it of sending their family into "exile".
Hitting out at BJP for denying Lok Sabha ticket to his sister Poonam Rao, slain BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's son Rahul said he is disappointed with the party and accused it of sending their family into "exile".
"I am disappointed with the party for not giving ticket to Poonam. The party which has given my father the status of Laxman, has now sent the family into exile," Rahul told reporters here on Friday, even as Poonam met MNS chief Raj Thackeray at his residence in central Mumbai fuelling speculation in political circles about her next move.
She later said that it was a courtesy visit on Gudi Padwa (traditional New Year) and has nothing do with politics. "I would continue to work for the party," she added.
But a visibly upset Rahul said, "If one's legacy is not an advantage then it should not be a disadvantage either," and added that Poonam had been working for the party but still was denied the ticket.
Rahul, however, said that it was his personal view and had nothing to do with Poonam, and added "I still have BJP in my blood".
He also denied media reports that he will contest as an independent in Lok Sabha elections. "I have not decided whether to contest or not. I will have to consult my family and close friends before taking a decision," he said.
Asked whether Pramod Mahajan's "rivals" in Delhi were "taking revenge" by denying Poonam a ticket, he said "I don't know if anyone is doing it intentionally. But if so, then it is inhuman to take revenge after the person's death."
To a query that he would be campaigning for the party, Rahul said he has not contacted by the party so far on the issue.
BJP has names former MP Kirit Somaiya as its candidate from Mumbai North-East seat, from where Poonam's uncle and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde dad asked the party leadership to consider fielding her.
Asked if she was upset with the BJP, Poonam said on Friday, "No... I am daughter of Pramod Mahajan and loyal to the party. I would continue to work for the party as a worker."
After meeting her, Raj Thackeray said, "I have family relations with Mahajan and she had come to wish me on New Year. The meet was decided much before."
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