Ahead of the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala has equated state president Kamal Nath and senior leader Digvijaya Singh to the protagonists 'Jai' and 'Veeru' of the film Sholay played by Amitab Bachchan and Dharmendra, respectively. The comparison prompted rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to call the duo "jail escapees" and deceitful.
Surjewala replying to a question at a press conference held in Bhopal on Saturday, on the apparent differences between Singh and Nath over ticket distribution said, "The relationship between Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan (in Sholay) is the same as between Singh and Nath. Neither ‘Gabbar Singh’ (film’s lead villain) could get them into a fight (in movie) nor will BJP’s Gabbar Singh be able to get it done here."
The Congress general secretary, instead alleged huge conflict within the ruling BJP over ticket distribution, and said that his party has taken the decision about where ticket changes were needed and is over with the issue.
"They say such things every day to display their irritation. What is the problem of BJP with our party? There is love and coordination between Digvijay Singh, Kamal Nath and all our leaders. This is for the development and progress of Madhya Pradesh," said Surjewala, as reported by news agency PTI.
The statement prompted reaction from state BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi, who said "These were the movie characters who escaped from jail. The same is the condition of Mr Bantadhar (as BJP calls Singh) and Corruptionnath (Nath dubbed by BJP) in Madhya Pradesh. They have looted Congress workers. They looted the general public whenever they got an opportunity. No one was spared from these two."
Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra played the role of Jai and Veeru, two best friends who flee from jail and help a retired police officer to catch Gabbar Singh, a dreaded dacoit.