Post release, Varun lies low

Ever since his release, Varun Gandhi has preferred to stay away from the cameras. The BJP's latest Hindutva posterboy has avoided public speeches, even a trip to his constituency Pilibhit.

On Friday, he confined himself to his Delhi residence did not meet journalists. The BJP spokesperson who met him did all the talking.

Said BJP spokesperson Balbir Punj: "Varun Gandhi will continue to work for the party with the same enthusiasm. He will file his nomination on April 21."

But Varun did issue a statement, asking all Indians to unite to fight terror. He said he will continue to raise his voice against anti-national forces. He concluded by saying these are testing times for him but he will not be found wanting.

So why is Varun lying low. The BJP wants to avoid any fresh controversy and believes it can benefit from the division of the Muslim vote in UP. So the orders for him is clear

Says BJP president Rajanath Singh: "Varun is a part of the BJP. We have asked him to show restraint, and not say anything controversial."

The BJP believes this controversy has been milked for all its worth. Any more and it will end up unifying the Muslim vote against the BJP. So varun has been told to lie low and concentrate on his election in Pilibhit.