For those familiar with Tejasvi Surya’s provocative and divisive speeches, his statement calling for ‘ghar wapsi’ (religious conversion to Hinduism) of Muslims and Christians did not come as a huge surprise. But what left many confused was his decision to ultimately withdraw his comments on ‘reconversion.’
When TNM spoke to BJP insiders, both in Karnataka and in Delhi, it became apparent that Surya’s statements had not been cleared by the BJP high command. Though all statements made by leaders are not vetted, this was one that had the ability to cause an international stir as well.