Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jul 30: Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday July 29, rebel BJP MP H T Sangliana who voted against the party whip during the trust vote recently, asserted that he stands by his earlier decision to support the nuclear deal. "I am fully convinced of the need to have nuclear power for strengthening the country," he explained.

He came down heavily on goons, allegedly some BJP supporters, who attacked his office recently. He said that BJP as a political party is very good and its national leaders are also very capable. "When I fought for the rights of the minority, the central leaders lent support but state leaders scoffed at me. Because of some petty state leaders, the party's image is getting spoilt. There were occasions on which the state leaders asked me as to whether I was bought by the Congress," he revealed.

Sangliana stressed that he was a servant of the people and not a hard core politician. "As of now I continue in BJP. If I get any invitation to join some other political outfit, I will think over it. I have not yet thought about future plans. I run the risk of getting expelled unless I apologize for my conduct. I am in no mood to apologize," he explained.

Some of his supporters who held a solidarity meet on Tuesday said that they would back Sangliana irrespective of his political allegiance because of his sincerity and accessibility.