Decision on Jaswant Singh taken in party's interest: BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday clarified party's stand after senior leader Jaswant Singh was denied ticket to contest elections from Barmer constituency.

Addressing mediapersons in New Delhi, Naqvi said that if seen on a larger perspective, the decision was better and taken in nation's interest.

"Lot of decisions like this are taken in the party. For individuals the decision may not be a suitable one. But in party's view and in a bigger canvas, it can be better decision. However, there should not be any depreciation of respect towards him (Jaswant Singh) and there is none. So I will say that whatever he has told could be his pain and that pain can be called botheration also. However we have to keep in mind party's will and nation's will is above all," said Naqvi.

Singh, earlier, expressed his anger and unhappiness over the decision and said he was not a piece of furniture that can be adjusted anywhere. Singh also added that he always thought good for party and never learnt the adjustment strategies of politics.

While talks of Singh as an independent candidate from Barmer constituency are also doing rounds, he said that he would file the nomination on March 24 which would douse all speculations.

Meanwhile, a leader of Communist Party of India, D. Raja, observed that there was certain tussle for power within BJP and also added that its ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has taken up a nefarious role in the party.

"One thing is clear that is power struggle within BJP and power struggle different reasons. We will have to wait and see how things are going to develop in BJP, how the issues are going to be tackled by BJP. But as far as people are concerned it has become important, people should take note of the very sinister design of RSS, the nefarious role that RSS is taking up now in the given situation, in the emerging political situation in the country," said Raja.

Singh wishes to contest the parliamentary elections for the last time.

Singh has been a member of Indian parliament nine times in the past and held many portfolios including foreign affairs, finance and defence for BJP.