Pubdate: Sat, 03 Nov 2007
Source: Times of India, The (India)
Copyright: Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 2007
Contact:  http://www.timesofindia.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/453

OPIUM WASN'T SERVED: JASWANT

JAIPUR: A stickler for Marwar traditions, former Union minister 
Jaswant Singh allegedly served opium-laced coloured milk from his 
cupped palm to his guests who trooped in for lunch at his ancestral 
house on October 31.

He told the media that while it was tradition to serve opium at 
certain functions, this had not been the case on Wednesday. He said 
that guests had consumed a "mix of gangajal, kesar, jaggery and tea".

While family and village functions traditionally do see opium being 
served, this meet at Jasol was a muted one, he added.

He had also invited BJP president Rajnath Singh and leader of 
Opposition L K Advani for the event, but they did not attend.

This is quite understandable as they could hardly be expected to 
bless a rebel meet. And the ostensible reason why Vasundhara Raje was 
omitted was that women can't attend such events.

But again, she would hardly be welcome. These leaders are unlikely to 
regret having skipped the lunch in view of the turn it has taken over 
the allegation that the guests were served opium.

Among those named in the complaint are Rajasthan BJP heavyweights and 
leading dissidents. They are education minister Ghanshyam Tiwari, 
industries minister Narpat Singh Rajvi (son-in-law of former 
vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat) and social justice minister 
Madan Dilawar.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman