Jayant Sinha Responds to BJP’s “Didn’t Vote, Attend Rallies” Notice
Former Union Minister Jayant Sinha Expresses Surprise Over BJP’s Notice
23.05.2024: Former Union Minister and MP Jayant Sinha expressed his surprise upon receiving a show cause notice from the BJP, questioning his absence from voting and election campaigning during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Voting via Postal Ballot
In response to BJP’s Jharkhand general secretary Aditya Sahu, Sinha clarified that he voted through the postal ballot process due to being overseas for personal commitments. He expressed his astonishment at the notice being released to the media, stating in a two-page letter, “I was very surprised to receive your letter and discover that you have released it to the media as well.”
Lack of Invitations to Party Events
Sinha addressed the allegation of not participating in organizational work and election campaigning, explaining that he was not invited to any party events or rallies. “The party announced Shri Manish Jaiswal ji as its candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. My endorsement was evident when I congratulated Shri Jaiswal ji on 8 March 2024, an event well-documented on social media,” he noted. Sinha further mentioned that no senior party officials or MPs/MLAs from Jharkhand contacted him post his announcement on March 2.
Withdrawal from Lok Sabha Elections
In March, Jayant Sinha announced his decision not to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and requested BJP national president JP Nadda to relieve him from direct electoral duties. “After consulting with Shri Nadda ji and getting his explicit approval, I publicly declared my withdrawal from these elections. I am happy to support the party on economic and governance policies and have continued to do so,” he reiterated in his letter.
Efforts to Support the Party
Sinha highlighted his attempts to support the party, despite the late notice from Jaiswal inviting him to a nomination rally on May 1. “I traveled to Hazaribagh on 2 May 2024 and went directly to Shri Jaiswal ji’s residence to express my regards. He was not present, so I conveyed my message to his family,” he explained.
Long-standing Commitment to the BJP
Having been associated with the BJP for over 25 years, Sinha emphasized his contributions to the party and his development work in Hazaribagh, which led to his record victories in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. He criticized the public issuance of the notice, stating, “Your approach demoralizes dedicated party workers and undermines the party’s collective efforts. Despite my loyalty and hard work for the party, it appears that I am being unjustly targeted.”
Call for Direct Communication
Sinha concluded by suggesting that the issue could have been resolved through direct communication. “We could have certainly spoken in person or on the phone at any time to address any of your misgivings. To send me a letter after the elections are over is incomprehensible,” he remarked.