Bhopal, Oct 31 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh’s former chief minister Uma Bharti Monday declined to be chief guest on the state’s foundation day, citing prior engagements.
The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Bharatiya Janata Party government plans to celebrate the state’s 56th foundation day, on Nov 1, in a grand manner and Uma Bharti was invited to be chief guest in her home district, Tikamgarh.
‘I have to attend a cadre meet in Uttar Pradesh and it was fixed a month ago, so I have to go there,’ Uma told reporters here.
The state government’s invitation had surprised many as there has been a rift between her and Chouhan since 2005 when he was preferred to head the state.
Political observers also believe that it was Chouhan who had opposed the re-induction of Uma Bharati in the party.
However, after being expelled for six years, the firebrand leader was recently re-inducted by party president Nitin Gadkari.
