Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Agrawal, who was denied party ticket by Samajwadi Party joined BJP, became centre of a storm on Monday after saying he joined the party becasue he was bypassed for ‘somebody who danced and worked in films” referring to actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan.
Agarwal received sharp criticism from the BJP including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his remarks were ‘improper and unacceptable”.
Agrawal left the Samajwadi Party and formally joined the BJP in New Delhi when he was outwitted by Jaya Bachchan to get party ticket for Rajya Sabha nomination. Agrawal’s term as Rajya Sabha member ends on April 2.
In the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Agarwal addressed the press conference said, “Aur filmon mein kaam karnewali se meri haisiyat kar di gayi. Ye filmon mein dance karte, apna role karte, unke naam par hamara ticket kata gaya, mein ne isko bahut uchit nahin samjha. Kisi ne bhi isko uchit nahin samjha. (My status has been equated with women who work in films. For somebody who used to dance in films, act in films, I was denied a (Rajya Sabha) ticket. I did not find it appropriate. Nobody found it appropriate).”
Though the BJP clearly stated that Agarwal’s remarks doesn’t reflect the party’s remark, Swaraj took to Twitter saying, “Shri Naresh Agrawal has joined Bhartiya Janata Party. He is welcome. However, his comments regarding Jaya Bachchan ji are improper and unacceptable.”
Following Agarwal’s remarks BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra, who was at the press conference, picked up the microphone immediately and said, “Before I request Piyush Goyalji to hand over the membership to him, I would like to clarify one thing from this platform: Whether it is a film star or just a party worker, everyone is respected. BJP respects everyone. We respect all.”
Goyal claims that Patra had already discussed the issue with BJP leaders including party chief Amit Shah.
However, the damage was done. Social media was abuzz with vehement criticism against Agrawal, who often courted controversy with his remarks inside and outside Parliament. BJP leaders admitted that the party was “deeply embarrassed” by his remarks and that it has taken the sheen off the party’s excitement over his shift to the BJP.
Goyal, in the press conference, had also explained how the BJP would benefit from the “clever leadership” of Agrawal.