Farrukhabad:
After near-universal criticism of its decision to welcome Babu Singh Kushawha into its ranks, the BJP announced that the former minister, mired in charges of corruption, would not be used to campaign for the party in the Uttar Pradesh elections.
Yet, Mr Kushwaha addressed a large gathering today in Farrukhabad. The BJP's candidate from one of the constituencies in this area, Amritput, was present at the rally. Mr Kushwaha is a leader with considerable influence among Other Backward Castes (OBCs), a votebank being heavily targeted by the BJP.
Mr Kushwaha's background was declared objectionable even by senior BJP leaders like Maneka Gandhi, provoking the party to announce that its newest member had suggested that his affiliation be suspended till he is cleared of the charges against him.
Mr Kushwaha was the Family Welfare minister for Mayawati till he was sacked because crores sanctioned to his department by the centre went missing. Three senior doctors attached to his ministry died - two of them were killed, the third died in a Lucknow jail under mysterious circumstances.
Yet, Mr Kushwaha addressed a large gathering today in Farrukhabad. The BJP's candidate from one of the constituencies in this area, Amritput, was present at the rally. Mr Kushwaha is a leader with considerable influence among Other Backward Castes (OBCs), a votebank being heavily targeted by the BJP.
Mr Kushwaha's background was declared objectionable even by senior BJP leaders like Maneka Gandhi, provoking the party to announce that its newest member had suggested that his affiliation be suspended till he is cleared of the charges against him.
Mr Kushwaha was the Family Welfare minister for Mayawati till he was sacked because crores sanctioned to his department by the centre went missing. Three senior doctors attached to his ministry died - two of them were killed, the third died in a Lucknow jail under mysterious circumstances.
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