Poonam's Raj-visit fuels speculations

The children of late Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pramod Mahajan on Friday created flutters in political circles when Poonam Mahajan met Mharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, and her brother Rahul slammed the BJP for denying her ticket in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

"I met Raj Thackeray to wish him for 'Gudhi Padawa' (Hindu new year) and the visit has nothing to do with politics," Poonam, who has been denied Lok Sabha ticket from Mumbai North-East, told media persons in Mumbai after having lunch with Thackeray.

The visit fuelled speculation whether she was looking for a platform outside the BJP, which preferred former party Member of Parliament Kirit Sommaiyah for the Mumbai North-East seat over her claims.

Asked if she was upset with the BJP for not giving ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, she said, "No, I am daughter of Pramod Mahajan and loyal to the party. I would continue to work for the party as a worker."

Echoing Poonam's statement, Raj said, "I have family relations with Mahajans and she had come to wish me on New Year. The meet was decided much before."

However, Rahul was blunt and said he was disappointed with the BJP and accused it of sending their family into "exile".

"I am disappointed with the party for not giving ticket to Poonam. The party which has given my father the status of Laxman, has now sent the family into exile," Rahul told media persons.

Rahul said injustice has been done to Poonam, she has worked for the party and it was wrong not to give her an opportunity due to "personal bias".

A visibly upset Rahul said, "If one's legacy is not an advantage then it should not be a disadvantage either," and added that Poonam had been working for the party but still was denied the ticket.

Rahul, however, said that it was his personal view and had nothing to do with Poonam, and added "I still have BJP in my blood".

He also denied media reports that he will contest as an independent candidate in Lok Sabha elections. "I have not decided whether to contest or not. I will have to consult my family and close friends before taking a decision," he said.

Asked whether Pramod Mahajan's "rivals" in Delhi were "taking revenge" by denying Poonam a ticket, he said "I don't know if anyone is doing it intentionally. But if so, then it is inhuman to take revenge after the person's death."

To a query that he would be campaigning for the party, Rahul said he was not contacted by the party so far on the issue.