Advani says Uma on leave, denied gen secy’s post

It was on his request that Bharati returned from Madhmaheshwar for the BJP national council meeting, Advani said, adding ‘‘probably she must have gone back to Madhmaheshwar by now’’.

Back in Madhya Pradesh, CM Babulal Gaur ruled out Bharati’s return to state politics and said he would complete his term. ‘‘I will be here for five years. And as for why Umaji declined the general secretary’s post, Advaniji has made it clear that she is on leave till the end of November,’’ Gaur, who accompanied Advani on his return to the Capital from Ujjain, said.

He denied comment on Bharati’s denial of the general secretary’s post, though. ‘‘Only she can tell you what are the reasons behind her decision. I have no information to give,’’ he said.

There was speculation after Bharati’s exclusion from the list of new office-bearers of the party that she wanted to play a role in state politics. A few reports suggested that she would return as chief minister, months after she resigned following the issuing of warrants against her in the Idgah rioting case.