Uma says she faces threat to life

Bhopal, July 13 (UNI) Bharatiya Janshakti president Uma Bharti today said she faced a threat to her life in view of the disclosure of political parties patronising mafias.

Ms Bharti told reporters here that she would continue her campaign against these elements despite the danger.

She would meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar and demand security.

Regarding change of guard in the state, she said she was expelled from the BJP for opposing the 'mafia group' that had taken control of the party.

She did not want such people to control the BJP and she had discussed the matter with party General Secretary in Patna over the issue.

Ms Bharti accused Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of becoming a pawn at the hands of a builder, who had links with terrorists and drug mafia.

She said she had ample evidence to prove that Madhya Pradesh has become a centre of mafia activities, terrorism and Naxalism.

Terrorism activities were planned in the state capital and executed in the country, She said.

Criticising serial bomb blasts in Mumbai, Ms Bharti said the nation's security faced serious threat from Naxalism and drug mafia.

Short of mentioning names, Ms Bharti alleged that former Prime Minister's son-in-law, former Deputy Prime Minister's son and daughter and former general secretary besides some prominent party members had relation with mafia even today.

She said she did not have an iota of doubt on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy L K Advani's patriotism but they must have the courage to take strict action against the leaders and their family members.

She also accused senior Congress office-bearers of patronising mafia.

Praising BJP president Rajnath Singh's patriotism, she lamented Mr Singh did not have the courage to take action against such people.

UNI AG-PS AK BST1849