RJD targets BJP over induction of Naresh Agrawal

The RJD today targeted the BJP over its induction of former Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal, recalling the Rajya Sabha MP's remark linking Hindu gods with brands of liquor that had attracted the ire of the saffron party.
Agrawal had made that controversial remark on July 19 last year on the floor of the Rajya Sabha.
"At that time, the BJP had said that Agrawal would have been booked for hurting religious sentiment had he made the utterances outside the Parliament. Now the party is welcoming the same person with garlands," RJD national vice- president Shivanand Tiwary said.
His comments came a day after Agrawal quit the SP and joined the BJP after he was denied ticket for his re-nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

"The BJP also inducted several leaders from other parties whom it has previously accused of corruption. Narayan Rane of Maharashtra, Mukul Roy of West Bengal and Sukh Ram of Himachal Pradesh are notable examples. So much for its claims of being a party with a difference," Tiwary remarked.
Agrawal is currently in the eye of a storm over his controversial remarks he made yesterday against actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan, whom the SP has given its ticket for the Rajya Sabha election.
"For somebody who used to dance in films, act in films, I was denied a ticket (for Rajya Sabha). I did not find it appropriate," Agrawal said while joining the BJP in Delhi.

Agrawal's comment has drawn strong criticism from within the BJP. Today he offered his regrets for the comment but said it was twisted by the media.