Former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ajit Jogi on Friday created flutters in the party by saying that he was taking 'sanyas' (retirement) from active politics for a year and would not contest the lok Sabha polls scheduled next year. However he made it clear that he would continue to meet his political friends.
The unprecedented move of the senior Congress leader has shocked party leaders as the decision of party strongman has come at a time after Congress lost the State Assembly elections for the third time consecutively and the general elections are round the corner. "I have already said I will not contest lok Sabha election. I have decided to refrain from electoral politics for a year. I want to read, write, do contemplation and perform religious discourse and prayers" Jogi said, while talking with reporters at his residence here on Friday.
To another query about son Amit Jogi, the former Chief Minister said, "I have completed my duty as a father and if he (Amit) has the qualities he will move ahead in life. He has to decide the future course of life." He further remarked: "Amit Jogi has won the State assembly election from Marwahi seat which had been traditionally won by the Jogi family."
To a question over clean chit given to BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in 2002 riots case, Jogi said, the court has rejected the Zakia Jafri's plea against SIT's clean cheat but there are still options open for filing a plea. Until the apex court does not decide that matter, it cannot be viewed as a final judgement. Jogi also backed the Centre's move to set up an Inquiry commission in snoopgate case of Gujarat.