‘Modi magnanimous, Oppn not’

Turning the heat on the Opposition, Varun said, the Congress unfortunately has not been magnanimous in expressing remorse over its blame game against BJP leaders. ‘‘It has made several serious allegations against our senior leaders, but nobody has said sorry,’’ he pointed out.

Fielding a range of questions on the foreign origin of Sonia, Varun was forthright: ‘‘A person of foreign origin can’t occupy a high public office in India as it involves the larger question of national security and emotions of millions of Indians.’’

Skirting any controversy, Varun was quick to clarify that this was his personal political philosophy.

‘‘My view has nothing to do with a particular lady, as it is a much broader issue,’’ he said. But he agreed with Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee that a national debate should be held on the issue.

Asked whether he would campaign in Amethi, Varun replied in the negative. ‘‘It is a very emotional place for us. There is no point in squabbling or mudslinging at Amethi which my father had represented till 1980,’’ he said.

Varun said he is not creating dynasty politics in the BJP. ‘‘Babar started it in the 16th century by handing over the reins of his empire to his son, Humayun. Who am I to start dynasty politics?’’ he said.