BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha denies CM remark

Welcoming the statement of party veterans including L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi demanding accountability for the Bihar debacle, BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today said "we should not run away from fixing responsibility."

"Nonetheless, now that the verdict is out and we're saddened by this humiliating defeat, we should not run away from fixing responsibility," the actor-turned-politician tweeted.

"Right and high time to follow the friend, philosopher, guru, Guiding Light & his team of 4. Relay race has begun. Gang of 4-Bang on target," he said.

Sinha's remarks come close on the heels of veteran leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Shanta Kumar and Yashwant Sinha raising a banner of revolt against the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of Bihar debacle, saying the party has been "emasculated" in the last one year and was being "forced to kow-tow to a handful".

The veterans had demanded a thorough review of the debacle.

Sinha also said that he had never suggested that Bihar Assembly poll results could have been different had he been declared the chief ministerial candidate.

He, however, said that things could have been better if he had campaigned in the elections.

"Media tried to create an impression that I had suggested that results cud've been different if I was CM candidate," Sinha tweeted.

Denying that he has claimed chief ministership, Sinha said, "I have never said this. had no such expectations (of being made CM candidate). Have only said - if I was called for campaigning, things could have been better."

In another post, he said, "A more enthusiastic participation of my friends, fans, voters and supporters wud've certainly helped to make a difference at a few seats."

"I am not a Rajya Sabha MP. I've come through the support of masses and won 2 Lok Sabha elections with record margin. I have a support base!

"Despite sincerity, efforts & intention BihariBabu was kept away from campaigning for my people. My friends, voters&supporters were let down," Sinha said.