Shatrughan an ‘Opportunist’, Says BJP After Mega Opposition Rally

Shatrughan Sinha at Opposition’s United India rally.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@AITCofficial)

The BJP on Saturday, 19 January, said the party will take “cognisance” of its MP Shatrughan Sinha’s presence at the united Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government and termed the actor-turned-politician an “opportunist”.

Sinha, a former Union minister and a disgruntled BJP MP from Patna, attended the rally in Kolkata organised by TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee where he reportedly spoke against Modi and the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Shatrughan an Opportunist, Will Take Cognisance: BJP

Addressing a press conference at the party office, BJP’s national spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy described Sinha as an “opportunist” and said he was in the party to enjoy the perks of being an MP, but at the same time was seen voicing different opinions at various platforms.

“Sinha has been speaking against the party at various platforms. And it is always important for the BJP to act against such people and the party will take cognisance of it”

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP’s national spokesperson

“At the same time, they are so opportunistic... and can be present at any conclave. The BJP will take cognisance of it,” Rudy said.

Sinha not only attended the Opposition United India rally, but also raised his voice against the very party he’s a member of. He said that if being honest is being a rebel, he is a rebel. Calling Modi government regime as ‘tanashahi’ (dictatorship), the BJP MP raised questions against Rafale fighter jet deal and demonetisation.

‘Demonetisation Was Not Party’s Decision’

Hitting out at the BJP, Sinha said that the implementation of demonetisation was not the party's decision as many people were not aware of it.

“If demonetisation was party’s decision, LK Advani would have known, Murli Manohar Joshi would have known, Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie would have known and I would have known.”

Shatrughan Sinha at the Opposition rally

The actor-turned-politician criticised implementation of Goods and Services Tax and said it only increased burden on people after demonetisation.

‘If Questions Go Unanswered, People Will Say Chowkidaar Chor Hai’

Speaking on the Rafale controvery, Sinha said that “I am not saying you are guilty, neither am I saying you’re innocent”

“If things are not answered, people will say chowkidaar chor hai”

Shatrughan Sinha

Sinha has been regularly speaking against the BJP’s top leadership which provoked Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi earlier this week, who suggested that Sinha should quit the party.

(With inputs from PTI)