‘TV actress was made HRD minister’: BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha fires fresh salvo at PM Modi

Rebel BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha said on Tuesday that he didn’t get a ministerial berth in the Modi government because of showing allegiance to the Advani camp.

Speaking at a conclave held by a news channel in Bihar on Tuesday, Sinha slammed the ruling party’s top leadership for sidelining its senior party leader.

“LK Advani is my guru, friend, philosopher and guide. My loyalty is more towards the people of the country than the party,” he said, adding that “although I had won with a record margin in 2014 general election, I wasn’t given a ministerial berth. However, a TV actress was made HRD Minister in the Modi government.”

“Even if I had been made a minister, it wouldn’t have made any difference. Nobody knows any minister these days,” he remarked.

Sinha further stated that PM Narendra Modi did not allow him to give a feedback on key policy issues but instead he was asked to meet the party president, Amit Shah.

Though he kept the suspense alive on his future political moves, he said: “Let the party expel me, I will not leave the party on my own.”

Here’re some interesting excerpts from his address:

• Today, I am witnessing individualism in the BJP. The party has a one-man show and two men army. Who listens to the ministers? PMO is calling the shots.
• If a tea seller can scale heights of success, why can’t I?
• Other party presidents must learn from Rahul Gandhi. Despite EVMs, in a year, he’s ensured victories in 3 states, which is truly commendable
• I have an emotional bond with the party since when it had only two parliamentary seats. But now I am not even invited to party’s function in Patna.
• After the outcome of elections in three state assembly elections and SP-BSP alliance, Amit Shah has lost his senses.
• It pains me to see that Advani Ji has been marginalised in the party. He is the man who has nourished and nurtured the BJP with his sacrifices and hard work.
• If speaking truth is called rebellion, then I am a rebel.
• Come what may, I will contest 2019 Lok Sabha election from Patna Sahib only.