AB Vajpayee’s niece Karuna Shukla quits BJP

Raipur, October 26

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s niece Karuna Shukla on Saturday resigned from BJP alleging that power politics dominated the party in state and staunch workers like her had nothing to do in such adverse circumstance. Shukla’s decision is considered as major setback for the party ahead of polls as it is already assaying to conciliate disgruntled aspirants who have been denied ticket.

“The people in power have hijacked the organization. The state unit is now steered by just two-three persons,” she said alluding to BJP president Rajnath Singh, CM Raman Singh and party’s joint general secretary (organization) Saudan Singh.

Shukla has been MLA from Balodabazar twice and MP from Janjgir-Champa. She has also served the party as national vice president. Besides, she was national head of the BJP Mahila Morcha. Currently, she was member of party’s national executive body.

In 2008, Shukla had expressed desire to contest assembly polls from Beltara seat, but the party pitted Badridhar Diwan from there. She said despite her reluctance she was compelled to contest Lok Sabha elections from Korba against Congress candidate Charandas Mahant. The state leadership had then promised her that she would get significant post in the organization if she fails to win.

The party, however, did not keep its word. She was not only removed from the core group but also ignored during constitution of state poll committee. Her name did not even flash in the list of observers to filter potential poll candidates.

 “I served the party for 32 years in different capacities. Now, it seems the party does not want me anymore. The party has sidelined me completely. I feel alienated in current scenario and hence I am quitting,” she said.

“The BJP is no more the party of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. I had been to New Delhi some 15 days back. I talked to Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Murli Manohar Joshi about the state unit’s attitude towards me. I also sought appointment from party chief Rajnath Singh and waited for five days, but he did not give me time. I was feeling insulted in the party and had no option than to part ways from its,” she said.

When pointed that BJP national general secretary and Chhattisgarh incharge JP Nadda was confident of sorting out the matter and brining her back in the party, she said it was too late and she would never return in the saffron brigade. She, nevertheless, maintained that she would remain politically active.

When asked about her future plans she said currently she would like to spend time with her family. “Right now, I do not have any future plan. I will take decision about my political career after sometime,” she added.