New Delhi: Behind bars and facing one of the toughest laws, the National Security Act, Varun Gandhi who was a novice till recently is redefining Uttar Pradesh's politics. The BJP has embraced him completely now. He is being projected as the martyr who might contest polls from prison.
"During elections such a law has been used against a candidate. Nothing can be more improper. Don't treat Varun like a terrorist," BJP leader L K Advani said.
And after the National Security Act has been invoked on him, it means no party can ignore Varun Gandhi anymore.
"I think in Uttar Pradesh, particularly at the time of general elections, such firm action is required," CPM leader Prakash Karat said.
The Samajwadi Party blames Mayawati for the move.
"Varun is just a kid. Mayawati is making him a poster boy. Through him she is trying to polarise votes," SP general secretary Amar Singh said.
The BSP supremo has been tactically tough. Her government allowed Varun's noisy surrender on Saturday. But when the spectre of strident Hindutva began to threaten the minority vote, Mayawati moved in with the tough NSA.
The BJP does not hope to make major gains across UP because of Varun. But this is the first time its Hindutva cadres, which are idle since 1992, have a political cause to back.