Uma plunges into Rai dance controversy

Bhopal, Apr 30 (UNI) Bharatiya Janshakti Founder-President Uma Bharti has described Rai dance performances during weddings as ''improper.'' ''The BJP has adopted double standards with regard to the dance.

During his tenure, then Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sunderlal Patwa considered Rai vulgar and attempts were made to shift the women artistes to other professions,'' she alleged at a local meeting marking the first anniversary of her party's formation.

The firebrand sadhvi considered it unfortunate that the ruling BJP was now saying the dance was part of this state's culture.

At a recent mass marriage of impoverished women in Sagar district, state Cooperatives Minister Gopal Bhargava -- who was also the host -- organised a Rai performance. The main opposition Congress accused the BJP of dishing out obscenity. Eminent social activist Champa Ben demanded a ban on the dance and announced that she was returning the Mahatma Gandhi Award.

UNI