Though he is contesting Rajya Sabha elections as an Independent from Rajasthan, industrialist-turned-politician Santosh Bagrodia says he has faith in the leadership of Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Mr Rahul Gandhi. “Even though I am in the fray as an Independent, Soniaji is my leader,” Mr Bagrodia said. His presence in the fray is giving the
BJP sleepless nights and the saffron leaders trying to woo Independent MLAs. “We are talking to MLAs,” said senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu in Jaipur. Former Union minister Santosh Bagrodia made it difficult for noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani to gain the support of Independent MLAs.
Mr Bagrodia has been projected as a son of the soil while a section of the saffron party has been raising questions on Mr Jethmalani’s nomination. “I have an offer from other states to contest and that was secure. But I opted for my own state Rajasthan,” said Mr Bagrodia.
Hailing from Jhunjhunu district’s Bagdoda village, Mr Bagrodia proudly defined himself as a Marwari. His family had moved to West Bengal long back but Mr Bagrodia’s family is still maintaining its link with the state. “We have our business and industry in Bhilwara,” he said. Mr Bagrodia had unsuccessfully contested the Assembly poll on a Congress symbol in 1980 from Bhilwara.
The support of 13 Independent MLAs will be crucial in this battle for the Upper House. Most of the Independent MLAs are with the ruling Congress and have already given their support to the Congress government. Few of them were rewarded with ministerial positions when Mr Ashok Gehlot formed the government.