The man who gave the Congress government in Haryana just three months yesterday made a U-turn to say that the party is like a mother who forgives if children commit mistakes.So Bhajan Lal continues as Congress president in Haryana, the post he quit yesterday. His reason: ‘‘In a ruling party, party president is higher than a Chief Minister.’’But the story behind his turnaround was a deal brokered by old friend Motilal Vora.Sonia Gandhi had earlier offered Bhajan Lal governorship and deputy chief ministership for his legislator-son Chander Mohan. Sources said the offer was later upgraded to include an MoS slot for his MP-son Kuldip Bishnoi with the rider that he could pick up any two posts.So Lal decided to go for slots for his sons at the Centre and State.Since Sonia Gandhi did not want any more trouble, she forgave him for his public outburst. And Bhajan Lal, who knew dissidence would be costly, blinked. He promised to be an obedient soldier and cooperate with Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the new CM.Earlier Bhajan Lal told reporters that he had tried to build pressure on the party high command. ‘‘Pain,’’ according to him, ‘‘is natural when someone who has a majority is not made and someone else is.’’ However, he added: ‘‘I have fought enough for my colleagues.How long can one fight? Once something has happened, it has happened. It does not mean I would leave the party.’’As for his famous three-month deadline, Bhajan Lal said: ‘‘In three months, rather one-and-a-half months, we would give a new programme to the party.’’
