File photo of Bismillah Khan
The family of shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan has been drawn into the political battleground in the election season. Some reports recently surfaced in local media saying the BJP approached Mr Khan's family to propose
Narendra Modi's candidature when he files his nomination from Varanasi on April 24.
But Mr Khan's son Zamin Husain Bismillah today told reporters that the request was turned down by the family.
"The BJP guys called us, and we thought it's about some programme. But when we learnt that it's about proposing Mr Modi's name, we turned down their request," Mr Khan said.
He added that the family has historically not taken political sides in any election. "We are just musicians." (
India Votes 2014: full coverage)
Ustad Bismillah Khan's grandson Affaq Haider had recently said that the 'Modi wave' or the 'AAP show' is of little interest to them. They only want the winning candidate to build a tomb for the city's most beloved son.
Leaders of many political parties, including the BJP and the Congress, have been seen at Bismillah Khan's grave at Fateman Dargah in Lallapura in this election season. His family, however, rued that parties remembered the Bharat Ratna recipient only during elections.
"They do not come for Khan Sahab. They are here for votes. The harsh reality is that even after eight years of his demise, there is no monument in the city in his memory," Mr Haider said.