BJP Minister Silawat Fails to Recognize Own MLA in Gaffe

Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat landed in an awkward spot Thursday during a press conference here when he failed to identify his own party legislator Chintamani Malviya, calling him part of a Congress internal feud amid sexual harassment allegations.

Local BJP leaders on stage quickly intervened as Silawat dismissed queries on Malviya, the Alot MLA and former MP, confusing him with opposition figures.

Press Meet Turns Tense

The incident unfolded late afternoon in Indore when reporters grilled Silawat on allegations leveled by MP Congress Mahila president Reena Borasi Setia against Malviya. Initial reports indicate Silawat, also the Sagner MLA, snapped that it was "Congress ka aapas ka mamla" – prompting immediate corrections from BJP district chief Shrawan Chawda and others.

He fumbled further, remarking "Aarop sahi honge, tabhi lagaye gaye honge" before flipping to call the claims "bebuniyad" and backing Malviya's Rs 10 crore defamation notice against Borasi. Sources close to the event said the minister appeared rattled, evading direct answers amid flashes from the media scrum.

Core of the Controversy

Borasi, daughter of former Congress MP Premchand Guddu, recently accused Malviya of sexual exploitation of a woman and illegal property occupation – charges that have stirred political circles in Madhya Pradesh. Malviya, a PhD holder and 2014 Ujjain Lok Sabha winner who shifted to Alot assembly in 2023, hit back with the notice demanding proof within seven days or face civil and criminal action.

He has also met the Governor, while a Mahila Congress delegation submitted a memorandum against him earlier this week. Party insiders note Borasi's past loss to Silawat from Sagner adds a layer of rivalry.

Silawat's Flip-Flop Remarks

Transcript snippets from the meet capture the confusion: When pressed on Malviya's notice to Borasi, Silawat queried "Chintamani apna? Kisne kaha?" before conceding a "fair probe" if allegations held water, only to term them false moments later. "Agar kuch galat paya gaya to karwai karenge," he added, drawing murmurs from the podium.

BJP workers later clarified Malviya's long party loyalty, from MP to state vice-president roles. No official damage control from the party yet.

Political Fallout Looms

The gaffe risks embarrassing the ruling BJP ahead of local developments, with opposition quick to dub it a "blunder" on social media. Congress circles see it as validation of their charges, though Malviya maintains the accusations are smears to tarnish his image.facebook+1

Public reaction in Indore and Alot remains muted so far, but women's groups may weigh in. Silawat's office has stayed silent post-event.

What's Next in Row

Malviya's notice deadline nears, potentially escalating to court if unmet. Borasi, appointed Mahila Congress chief late last year, faces pressure to substantiate or retract. A neutral probe, as hinted by Silawat, could clarify amid the BJP internal rift signals.

Observers say the episode underscores frictions in MP BJP ranks, especially with Silawat's own cross-over history from Congress. Further statements expected soon.