Shivraj douses controversy, effusively praises Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia's contribution to BJP

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that he has immense respect and dedication towards late 'Rajmata' Vijayaraje Scindia.

"She does not belong to just a family but to entire Madhya Pradesh, and was like a mother to lakhs of workers like us", he said.

Shivraj Chouhan's statement came in wake of the controversy following his sharp attack on the rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior--the Scindias.

During his speech in Ater, where he went for campaign for the forthcoming byelection, Chouhan had said that Scindias had allied with the British. This had led to sharp reactions.

While BJP is fighting Jyotiraditya Scindia's influence in Gwalior region, other family members are prominent leaders in BJP.  Yashodhara Raje is minister in MP, Vasundhara Raje is Rajasthan chief minister.

After the statement, Yashodhara Raje had expressed anguish. She said that late Vijayaraje Scindia had spent all her life and spent resources to help BJP gain foothold in Madhya Pradesh. "She had sold her jewellery to finance BJP", Yashodhara had said.

"Those who are questioning the patriotism of Scindia family should remember the contribution", she told journalists. Also, Vasundhara Raje was upset with the statement. She spoke to her sister Yashodhara Raje over phone in the wake of the statement, said sources. 

As the controversy erupted, Shivraj Chouhan has now said that Vijayaraje Scindia has a place in the heart of people. He was speaking to journalists in Umaria. "We always salute her, respect her and have great regard for her", he furhter said.