Sonia's arrogance will be grounded like Indira: Rajnath

Varanasi, Apr 19: BJP president Rajnath Singh has observed that the ''arrogance'' of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was bound to be grounded like her mother-in-law and former prime minister late Indira Gandhi.

Talking to UNI here last night, Rajnath maintained that Sonia's stature as a political leader was much smaller compared to her mother-in-law.

''The late PM was an international level leader. Yet, she was once handed over defeat by the Rae Baerli electorate,'' he added.

The BJP president claimed that party candidate for the May 8 Rae Bareli parliamentary bypoll Vinay Katiyar would give a tough fight to Sonia.

He also lambasted people terming Mr Katiyar ''scapegoat'' for contesting against the Congress chief in the hustings.

''Ms Gandhi has cheated the nation by filing her nomination from Rae Bareli after resigning the Lok Sabha seat...it proves her resignation was a mere drama to befool the masses.'' Exuding confidence of springing surprise in the bypoll, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister reiterated that party activists were united and would leave no stone unturned to ensure Mr Katiyar's win.

He also brushed aside suggestions that expelled party leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti could dent BJP's poll prospects.

''A little flutter persists for some time when such leaders are not associated with a party. However, things soon settle down and become normal,'' the BJP chief underlined.

Meanwhile, Mr Katiyar said he would abide by the party's decision to field him in Rae Bareli bypoll.

''I will pull all stops to ensure Ms Gandhi's defeat in the bypolls,'' he added.

Mr Katiyar's candidature was announced by the BJP president here yesterday.

UNI