NEW DELHI: With Bihar elections round the corner, BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha’s tweets apparently questioning the suspension of 25 Congress MPs from the Lok Sabha and acknowledging the praise he received from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar created ripples in the party on Wednesday.
When his “ill-timed” utterances came under attack on social media and from within the party, Sinha tried to make amends. “Political opponents are not enemies..We can differ in political views but there can be no personal enmity..I also wish to add that feeling sad or happy about anything is not anti-party activity,” he tweeted.
What stirred up the controversy was Sinha’s series of tweets: “Feel unhappy about the developments in Parliament... the expulsion of 25 learned MP friends, including one who was not even present. Good sense must prevail ... sooner the better.”
His tweets praising the JD(U) leader also caused much consternation within the saffron party. “Humbled and touched by Nitish ji’s glowing compliments..in calling me the pride of Bihar. I am fond of him as a friend and a much respected leader of the masses,” he tweeted.
The actor-turned-politician was quick to explain his remarks. “This exchange need not cause concern, alarm or jealousy among our people. After all, good behavior, shishtachar, upbringing and family values will always matter in society,” he wrote. Sinha further explained his praise for Nitish, saying it was a matter of civility. “In the same way, our dashing dynamic PM Narendra Modi went to a marriage at Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s house. It was part of social courtesy,” he said.