Madhya Pradesh's ex-minister Kamal Patel likely to get away with apology

BHOPAL: A day after BJP leader and former minister Kamal Patel tendered a written apology to state party chief in reply to the notice served on him for anti-party statements, BJP seems to have pardoned him.

State BJP chief Nandkumar Singh Chauhan said he was satisfied with the reply filed by Patel and has forwarded his apology with his observation to the party’s disciplinary committee requesting an early disposal of the matter.

Patel, who raised a storm in ruling party establishment by raking up illegal sand mining issue in Narmada river had invited the ire of the party with his anti-party rants and taking the mining issue to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

“Patel met me on Thursday with a written apology?. He told me that he did not intend to malign the party and wished to remain in the party. He said BJP is like his mother,” said Chauhan quoting Patel.

The former revenue minister was slapped a show-cause notice on May 26.

While issuing a notice as to why a disciplinary action should not be taken against him, the state unit had accused Patel of spoiling party’s image and helping the opposition. A week’s time was given to Patel to explain why he did not choose party forum to voice his concerns but instead chose to go public.

Chauhan said Patel in his apology also alleged that media misquoted and twisted his statements.

“He did not say anything against the party but targeted illegal miners. The party has no intention to pressurise him for moving NGT which, he as a common citizen can approach seeking justice or for a social cause", said the BJP chief.

Patel, however, did not react on his discussion with state BJP chief, saying he will speak on the issue only within the party forum and not outside.