‘Happy to be a loyal soldier of the party’

Mumbai: None of the prominent Bollywood personalities who are ruling party MPs got a call up during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Cabinet reshuffle. To add insult to injury, playback singer, the relatively inexperienced Babul Supriyo, has been made the new minister of state for urban development, housing and urban poverty alleviation.

There is thus considerable dismay among the supporters of BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha in Bihar who have felt for long that he should be given an important Cabinet ranking.

Speaking from his residence in Mumbai, the actor-turned-politician says, “As you can see I am very calmly sitting at home in Mumbai, and not running around in Delhi. I know my supporters feel I should be in the ministry. But very honestly I don’t let all that bother me. I’ve been a part of the BJP since the time it was not the powerful national force that it is today. I am proud to say I’ve been a  staunch soldier of the party. I’ve never crossed parties or threatened to join other political parties. I am happy to be a loyal soldier.”

He adds, “I’ve no hankering for a post. Nor have I got the time to take on added responsibilities. Moreover, people like Hema (Malini) and I are individuals with a certain standing. We don’t necessarily need any endorsement from the parent party.”

Shatrughan, however, wishes that Hema Malini had been given a Cabinet rank.

“Hema is a very important cultural ambassador of our country and I do feel that she deserves a suitable Cabinet designation. However, who am I to question the party high-command’s wisdom? I am happy to be a lieutenant of the party. I am neither questioning nor challenging the party’s decision.”