'Hema Malini's cheeks' and 'eagles and crows' in MP

Some recent statements by Madhya Pradesh politic have crossed the limits by citing actress and BJP MP Hema Malini's cheeks as an example and comparing the state government with "eagles and crows".

In the last few days, the state's politic have given some out of the way statements to target each other. These statements have garnered attention but have also raised questions over the etiquette of the leaders.

Political analyst Shiv Anurag Patairiya said: "When anyone has a lack of facts and logic then he starts talking pointlessly. Presently, that is happening in the state's politics. Leaders of both the major parties lack facts and logic, hence, they are giving such statements to divert people's attention from the real issues".

Among the remarks that sparked controversy one came from Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Gopal Bhargava during the Jhabua by-elections. Supporting Bhanu Bhooriya, he said: "This election is not between two parties. This is an election between India and Pakistan. Bhanu represents India while Kantilal Bhooriya represents Pakistan. The Congress candidate's party supports the people who encourage Pakistan".

Bhargava's statement invited criticism and the electoral officer filed a complaint with the police following which a case has now been registered. Now, the Election Commission has issued a notice considering the statement a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Thereafter, two state ministers Public Relations Minister P.C. Sharma and Public Works Minister Sajjan Singh Verma have made controversial remarks.

Sharma, who was inspecting the condition of the roads, said: "How are these roads like those in Washington and New York? Heavy rains created lots of potholes. They have turned into the cheeks of (BJP leader) Kailash Vijayavargiya. In the coming 15-20 days these roads will shine like Hema Malini's cheeks".

PWD minister Verma took it forward saying former Chief Minister (Shivraj Singh) Chouhan wanted to make these roads like Hema Malini's cheeks now they have turned into Vijayavargiya's cheeks.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing transfers in the state, Chouhan has come down heavily on the state ministers.

"A minister says this is the transfer rate, another says not this but this is the rate. At least together decide the bribe amount," said Chouhan.

He said: "This is the most corrupt government in history. The are eating the state like eagles and crows. Are they worthy of holding a minister's post".

(Sundeep Pouranik can be contacted at sundeep.p@.in)

( With inputs from IANS )