Nirupam finds ‘new Matoshree’, Sena says he’s Cong liability

Waiting for him with bouquets and banners, some members of the reception party forgot their leader and chased Sachin Tendulkar, who was returning from Delhi, until his guards whisked him away.

A little later, a garlanded and perspiring Nirupam emerged, saying he was honoured to have been accepted by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

‘‘I have found my new Matoshree,’’ he said. ‘‘I worked hard when I was with the Sena and I will do the same here.’’

Claiming that he was never anti-minority, Nirupam said: ‘‘Last elections, I got 10 per cent Muslim and 20-25 per cent Christian votes….I had many friends from minority communities but could never get close to them because of my involvement with the Sena.’’

He said the presence of other leaders of North Indian origin in the Congress did not make him insecure. Nirupam’s former rivals didn’t seem to be too concerned either. ‘‘It won’t make a difference to me,’’ Congress legislator Kripashankar Singh said, adding: ‘‘Aise to bahut aate jaate hain (People like him keep coming and leaving the Congress)’’.

Sources in the Congress said Nirupam’s presence could affect Union Sports Minister Sunil Dutt, his opponent in the Lok Sabha elections. ‘‘Dutt is very adamant and will never compromise with Nirupam,’’ a leader said.

Claiming he always respected Dutt, Nirupam said: ‘‘Whatever happened between us was during the election campaign. I’m confident that Dutt saab will do no harm to me. Everything will be fine.’’

The Sena decided to ignore its former soldier. ‘‘Who?’’ reacted Opposition leader Narayan Rane when asked to comment on Nirupam and added: ‘‘It won’t affect us, it will affect the Congress…. He will be a liability to them.’’

Before saffron changed colour

May 14, 2004: ‘‘We were hoping Muslims will wake up. Their lack of support is pushing us to a pro-Hindutva stand.’’

April 3, 2004: ‘‘I can understand he (Sunil Dutt) couldn’t attend Parliament due to the accidents, but how did he find time to act in Munnabhai MBBS?’’