Raje rumours dog Uma brother’s return to BJP

Lodhi had only recently made clear his intention to join the Congress. The force that eventually seems to have brought about the reconciliation, however, was from a quarter much closer to home — his wife. She is believed to have contacted sister-in-law Uma Bharti and fixed a meeting between the siblings which resulted in a letter from Lodhi to the party’s state leadership.

In the letter addressed to BJP state unit president Kailash Joshi, Lodhi apologised for his controversial utterances and willingness to work for the party along with Uma Bharti, party sources said. The letter also states his intention to work in the interests of Uma Bharti and the party in general.

He has, in another communication, reportedly expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Digvijay Singh for standing by him during his time of crisis.

The party’s decision to revoke his suspension was only part of formalities after he submitted the letter following his meeting with Uma. Chief Minister Digvijay admitted as much while talking to the press on Friday when he said that Lodhi ‘‘swabhaav se asthir hain’’.

He said was why he had told Lodhi to take his time before deciding to join Congress. The CM said he was still willing to host Lodhi for a bhagvad at Raghogarh, referring to a katha held earlier this year by Lodhi at Digvijay’s behest. Lodhi was not available for comments.

Meanwhile, confusion persists over Yashodhara Raje Scindia’s reported resignation. The MLA, ensconced in Delhi, has so far refused to speak to the media. Sources say that she never submitted her resignation but only expressed her opinion over the party’s neglect of the region once run by her mother, Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia.