Shah, Owaisi struck secret deal for Bihar polls: Ex-BJP MLA

Yatin Oza has claimed that Amit Shah and Asaduddin Owaisi in a meeting decided to 'polarise' votes ahead of Bihar polls

Former BJP MLA Yatin Oza, who is planning to join AAP, on Monday claimed that BJP President Amit Shah and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had "struck a deal" at a meeting ahead of Bihar Assembly polls to "polarise" votes in the Muslim-dominated northern belt.

The allegations were denied by the BJP state unit.

Seizing on Oza's claims, AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "If it is true, it reveals real face of BJP-Modi-Shah".

In a letter to Kejriwal on July 4, Oza claimed that he was also present at the meeting which he said was held "in the wee hours at Shah's residence on September 15, 2015."

However, he did not clarify the place where the purported meeting took place.

Oza claimed that it was decided in the meeting that "Owaisi will spew poisonous communal speech, the script of which shall be written by Amit Shah."

He further alleged that the recent statement by Owaisi to extend legal aid to suspected IS operatives held in Hyderabad also "appears to be part of the aforesaid strategy."

Speaking to media persons, Oza, a lawyer at Gujarat High Court, said, "I was present in the said meeting. A detailed discussion took place and it was agreed that Owaisi shall field his candidates in Bihar, particularly in Muslim belt that was to go to polls on November 5 (last phase).

"It was decided in the meeting that Owaisi will vomit poisonous communal speech, the script of which shall be written by Amit Shah, which may have the potentiality to create communal divide in the society," the letter said.

"It was decided in the meeting that BJP and Owaisi would stand as strong opponents of each other before the people, but Owaisi would only speak on dotted lines and his speech would create an atmosphere of hatred resulting into communal tension," it said.

The BJP dismissed Oza's claim as nothing but "an exercise to seek media attention."

"Just like their leader Kejriwal, people who are either associated with AAP or wanting to join that party are known to do such drama. Allegations by Oza are nothing but an attempt to get attention of media. Owaisi has already refuted Oza's claims," said Gujarat BJP's media convener Harshad Patel.

In the high-stake Bihar election, the JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance secured 178 seats in the 243-member state Assembly whereas the BJP-led NDA could bag only 58 seats.

AIMIM, which had contested in Seemanchal region in four districts of Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, Katihar, drew a blank.
(Reopens BOM 10)

Oza also claimed that newly-elected Gujarat BJP president Vijay Rupani is an "old friend" of Owaisi.

Oza claimed he was with Rupani when the latter met Owaisi "with great warmth" at Delhi Airport on March 11, as they were supposed to board the same flight.

"Both of them did not even look at each other but proceeded towards VIP lounge. I was also requested by Rupani to accompany him, which I did. To the utter shock of mine, I saw both of them shaking hands with each other and conversation between them was such that even a layman would believe beyond doubts that they are old buddies," Oza alleged.

Through the letter, he also indirectly expressed his desire to join AAP.

"Many reputed and good people from different walks of life want to join AAP, but are waiting for a proper opportunity," said Oza who held a meeting with Kejriwal in Rajkot on Saturday and discussed his plans of joining AAP.