Among the most serious cases, was the incident of Akash Vijayvargiya. After his act of violence there was silence in the BJP. Nobody including state BJP President Rakesh Singh and former Chief Minister Shiv Raj Singh Chouhan could dare criticise Akash largely because he is son of Kailash Vijayvargiya. Perhaps most of them must have thought that Akash Vijayvargiya’s criticism may not be welcomed because even national leadership may not like to displease Kailash Vijayvargiya who had delivered results in West Bengal. Many people started calling him “Lion” of Bengal.

But they were taken aback and were shocked when Prime Minister said in Hindi “Yeh manmani nahi chalegi. Yeh avedan, nivedan aur danadan BJP ka culture nahi hai”. In so many words he said such persons have no place in the party even if he is son of a high leader” The most significant aspect is this- he said so in the presence of Kailash Vijayvargiya.

He also favoured action against those who supported Akash and who celebrated his bail and hailed him as a hero.


Prominent among BJP personnel who supported and welcomed Akash at the jail gates after his release on bail on June 30 included BJP MLA and Kailash’s close confident Ramesh Mandola, party legislator Mahendra Hardia, corporater Chandu Shinde and BJYM leader Sumit Mishra. It was Mishra who had led the public abusing of police and administration earlier. Indore City BJP president Gopikrishna Neema and former MLA Jeetu Jirati also celebrated his release.

When media persons contacted them no one would say a word. They claimed that they are unaware of the PM’s statement and hurriedly cut the conversation . “I am not aware of it. I am on my way to a party membership drive meeting” Mandola said. Mayor Malini Gaud, who distanced herself from the incident, said that she was in her office and didn’t know of the developments. Neema refused to comment.

Akash stayed away from media glare. He was very vocal on Monday demanding a CBI probe into demolition of dilapidated buildings by IMC, but wasn’t heard at all on Tuesday.

After the PM’s outburst, state BJP leaders distanced themselves from the incident. BJP leaders attending meetings of SC-ST front, youth wing and membership drive in Bhopal claimed that “PM Modi has said something that we are not aware of. If he has said something than party leaders will follow it” said BJP membership drive state convener Arvind Bhadoria. He parried queries about possible action.

BJP leaders attending the Delhi meet did not comment either. Party national organisation general secretary Ramlal, state in-charge Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, state president Rakesh Singh, former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, union ministers Thawar Chand Gehlot and Naarendra Singh Tomar- none of them responded to calls.

“Rakesh Singh is in New Delhi. He will discuss with party leaders what action is to be taken if needed. As of now there are no details about the meeting” BJP state organisation secretary in-charge Suhas Bhagat told media persons.

Confirming the proceedings in the BJP parliamentary meet, Union minister for social Justice Thawar Chand Gehlot said “there is no need to elaborate on PM Modi’s outburst as everything is in the open. PM also addressed on the role of party organisation.
“PM Modi’s reaction is known to all. He also elaborated on organsitional responsibility. His address on organsiatonal importance is always inspiring and laudable” Gehlot told media persons on the BJP meet.

Sources said what senior BJP leaders had initially felt about Akash’s misbehavior with officials finally came from the horse’s mouth.

As per sources, the party has issued instructions to review every such case where sons and relatives of senior BJP leaders were involved in misbehavior or unlawful activities. The national leadership has also hinted at a review of the state organisation for failing to rein in netas who have embarrassed the party.

Even after PM Modi’s remarks there are a few sympathizers who defended Akash and his father Kailash Vijayvargiya. “Akash is a greenhorn in politics. The party must forgive him and give another chance” said former minister Vijay Shah, a follower of Kailash. Former MLA from Indore Sudarshan Gupta said “This matter should end here. The party must give a chance to Akash”.

Prime Minister’s stand has been welcomed by the Congress. Perhaps it is for the first time that Modi has received kudos for his statement from Congress.

Among those who praised Modi include Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Nath said he hopes BJP leaders “heed his advice and take action against Akash. Prime Minister did the right thing. I am hopeful that the state leadership will take appropriate action in the matter as advised by the PM”.

If Akash is removed from the party the BJP’s strength in the Vidhan Sabha will come down to 107 against 114 of Congress. This will lessen the possibility of any threat to the Nath government.

Some people will await whether Modi’s remark that such persons should be ousted from the party would be translated in action or not.

Meanwhile a local newspaper revealed that PM pulled up Kailash Vijayvargiya when he was trying to get Lok Sabh ticket for Akash. According to the newspaper Modi told Kailash “I am angry with you for trying to get Lok Sabha ticket for your son”. It is for the second time that Modi virtually pulled up Kailsh and perhaps conveyed the message that he is no longer a “Lion”. (IPA Service)