Uma Bharti Declines BJP Yatra Invitation, Sparks Intra-party Controversy

In the aftermath of her disappointment over not receiving an invitation to her party’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Madhya Pradesh, senior BJP leader Uma Bharti made it clear today that she would decline the invitation even if extended to her.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti stirred controversy within the party when she suggested yesterday that the presence of BJP leaders during the yatra would make them “nervous” due to the overwhelming attention she would command.

The 64-year-old leader remarked, “Perhaps the BJP leaders are concerned that my presence would divert the entire public attention towards me.”

The senior leader persisted in her criticism of the state BJP leadership on social media today.

Uma Bharti confirmed, “While it is true that I initially did not receive an invitation to the Jan Ashirwad Yatra, my importance remains unchanged whether I am invited or not. Even if I receive an invitation now, I have decided not to participate. I will neither attend the opening nor the closing ceremony scheduled for September 25th,” in a post on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

On Sunday, BJP National President JP Nadda inaugurated the yatra in the state heading for elections. The yatra route will traverse through the Vindhya region, where the BJP secured 24 out of 30 seats in the 2018 assembly elections.

In 2003, Ms. Bharti spearheaded the BJP to a resounding victory in Madhya Pradesh, putting an end to the Congress party’s 10-year rule led by Digvijaya Singh. Nevertheless, due to disciplinary issues, she faced expulsion from the BJP in 2005 and was reinstated only in 2011.

Despite her criticism of the state BJP unit, the assertive leader affirmed her commitment to maintaining a working relationship with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and pledged to engage in party campaigning when called upon.

Continuing her critique of political figures, Ms. Bharti emphasized the distinction between government and private hospitals. Additionally, she criticized the prevalent “5-star hotel” culture among politicians.

Uma Bharti advocated for a change in approach, stating that leaders, MLAs, MPs, ministers, chief ministers, and all government officials should seek medical treatment in government hospitals, and their children should attend government schools. She believes that this shift is essential for the improvement of these systems.

Expressing her viewpoint, Uma Bharti maintained her stance against extravagant spending on weddings and politicians staying in 5-star hotels, deeming it inappropriate. She highlighted that Prime Minister Modi shares her disapproval of this lifestyle and pledged to uphold these values in the future. She emphasized the importance of heeding the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi ji, Deendayal Upadhyay ji, and PM Modi ji in this regard.

The upcoming Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, featuring a 230-member assembly, is slated to take place later this year.

On September 25, the birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyaya, a prominent BJP ideologue, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to deliver an address to BJP workers in Bhopal.