Sidhu alleges attempt to tarnish his image

Bhopal, Nov 24 (UNI) In the wake of a case of violation of the model code of conduct being registerd against him, BJP MP and star campaigner Navjot Singh Sidhu today alleged that his political opponents are attempting to tarnish his image by twisting his statement.

Mr Sidhu told reporters here today that he came to know about registering of case against him over the statement made during an election meeting Kareli in Narsinghpur district on November 19 through media.

He clarified that he had said, ''Jo log ye kahate the ki Congress ko vote dena gaumans khane ke saman hai ve log aaj khud Congress me shamil hain (Those, who said that voting for the Congress was equivalent to consuming beef, had themselves joined it).'' Bharatiya Jan Shakti (BJS) candidate from Narsinghpur assembly seat Jalam Singh Patel had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that Mr Sidhu had made a statement that anyone not voting for the BJP will commit sin equal to consuming beef.

A case was registered against Mr Sidhu for alleged violation of model code of conduct on the basis of this complaint.

Comparing the Congress to 'bamboo' and the BJP to 'sugarcane', the former cricketer said the Congress was just like a 'Golden Drum' but it was hollow. He charged the Congress with putting heavy burden on people through inflation.

Denying that the rallies of BJP bigwigs in the state turned out to be damp squib, he said throngs of people attended his rally.

Mr Sidhu claimed that the BJP would retain power in the state on development issue.

UNI KV SP 1655