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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to react to any criticism of its prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, for having concealed the fact of his marriage in all his previous election affidavits.
Most political parties, at least until Thursday evening, were yet to launch any sustained attack on Modi over the issue. The BJP, however, does not anticipate any of its opponents highlighting the issue much in their election campaigns or that it would become electorally important.
A senior BJP leader, considered close to Modi, said the party would be unwilling to get into a slugfest with the Congress or any other grouping on this issue. "It is a personal issue, which we believe shouldn't be discussed on public platforms," said the leader. The BJP spokespersons have also been advised to tackle any questions from the media on the issue as such. The party leadership doesn't expect either the Congress or other political parties to try blowing it out of proportion.
On Wednesday, Modi admitted to the fact of his marriage to Jashodaben in the affidavit he filed with the Election Commission, as the BJP's candidate from the Vadodara Lok Sabha constituency. Modi, in the affidavit, claimed no knowledge of his wife's financial assets or liabilities. Modi, in his earlier election affidavits, had kept the column on his marital status blank.
The BJP also provided to the media a statement Modi's elder brother Somabhai issued on Thursday. He termed the marriage "a social formality" that took place 45 years ago.
Modi's wife Jasodaben is a 62-year-old retired teacher. Somabhai said the two never stayed together as Modi left home soon after his marriage. "The marriage was just a formality," he said. BJP leaders say the Gujarat CM has never denied the existence of his wife. "He would keep the column on marital status blank. He has never written that he is unmarried," said another BJP leader.
Somabhai said Jasodaben has lived at her father's house ever since. "The incident occurred 45-50 years ago and should be seen in the background of a poor and traditional family," said Somabhai, adding that Modi was different from his other five siblings and committed to dedicate his life to the cause of the nation.
"He didn't keep contact with our family after leaving home," said Somabhai.
The Congress reaction to Modi's acceptance of his marital status was largely muted. Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh tweeted: "Modi accepts his marital status. Can women of this country trust a man who stalks a woman, deprives his wife of her right? Vote against Modi."
