Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur and his predecessor and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Bharti on Tuesday shed their differences and resolved to work together for betterment of the state.
Gaur apologised for having made critical remarks against Bharti.
"I express regret for having made harsh remarks against her," Gaur told reporters after he and Bharti met party president Lal Kishenchand Advani. He described Bharti as his didi (sister).
Bharti, who came to Advani's residence along with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideologue S Gurumurthy, said she had told the party president that she had no 'grudge' against Gaur. She said Gaur was elder to her by 30 years and was a father figure.
Asked if she would want Gaur to continue as Chief Minister, Bharti pointed out that she was the one who had proposed the name of Gaur as her successor. "How can I withdraw it now?" she asked.
To a question about the future of their relationship, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister quipped, "Aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya." (see what happens in the future).
Bharti evaded a direct reply to questions about the removal of her close confidante Sunil Naik from Gaur's council of ministers. She said she did not know the details about the removal of Naik as she had been away in Ayodhya.
Prior to meeting Advani, Bharti also held discussions with former BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu at his residence for about 30 minutes. Party General Secretary Arun Jaitley was present during the meeting.
