| RAIPUR, JUNE 16:
It was a moment of reconciliation as former Union minister Dilip Singh Judeo filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha today, after being denied a ticket to the Lok Sabha barely two months ago.
The BJP had distanced itself from its star campaigner, primarily because of his alleged involvement in the cash-on-camera scam. Annoyed over the party’s decision, Judeo had then refused to campaign for the party in the Lok Sabha polls.
Today, as he cruised across the town in an open jeep, surrounded by hundreds of supporters, Judeo had good words for the party. ‘‘Look, how party decides where a person suits in his role. Am very lucky to get it third time,’’ he said, daring his critics to question the party’s decision. ‘‘What tainted? Where is the proof? Where do I figure? Show me the papers, files!’’
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Soon enough, though, Judeo said he would not speak about the case. ‘‘Since the matter is under investigation, it’d be better if I don’t open my mouth. Bahut jaldi doodh ka dhoodh, pani ka pani samne aa jayega (very soon, the truth will be known). The people who hatched this conspiracy, if it was so, will face the consequences.’’
The former minister did, however, hit back at Jogi for accusing the BJP of setting ‘‘double standards’’ by re-nominating him for the Rajya Sabha. ‘‘If you (Jogi) have the courage, face me but first take care of your health. And when you are fully recovered, tell me,’’ he said.
Judeo vowed to roll out his Hindutva agenda in the state, including the ghar-vapsi campaign. He said more than 350 churches were built in the state during the previous Congress regime, a few in places without a single Christian family. ‘‘Conversions must stop...Had Godhra not happened, there would have been no Gujarat riots. Godhra had led to all those riots and thus should become a lesson to religious conversions,’’ he said.
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