By Sandeep Pauranik

Bhopal, Jul 3 (IANS): Madhya Pradesh is known as a state famous for its tigers, but now it seems the tiger has become the symbol of the political jungle in the state.

Ex-Congtress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia's statement of "Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai" (The tiger is still alive) reached Bhopal for the first time after the former Union minister and now BJP Rajya Sabha member was elected. If the Congress is attacking Scindia in a variety of ways, Scindia is also not missing out on repeating his statement.

Scindia reached Bhopal on Thursday for the first time after being elected as a Rajya Sabha member and attended the second expansion ceremony of the Shivraj Singh Chauhan Cabinet. He launched a scathing attack on former Congress Chief Minister Kamal Nath and senior leader Digvijaya Singh. He said that for the last two months some people are trying to tarnish his image, "but I want to tell them that tiger is still alive."

Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has also attacked Scindia in his own style. He said that when hunting was not restricted, he and Madhavrao Scindia (Jyotiraditya's father) used to hunt tigers. "But since Indira Gandhi's 'Wild Life Conservation Act', I now only shoot tigers with the camera."

Former minister Subhash Kumar Sojatia has expressed his displeasure over Scindia calling himself a tiger. He says that the number of tigers in MP is the highest in the country, in such a situation, it is natural for every citizen of the state to be proud, but to call himself a tiger is nothing more than a film dialogue!

"Those who know the history of the Scindia royal family will refrain from addressing him as tiger! Scindia cannot be considered a tiger, not the least for being the centre of the vicissitudes of current politics in Madhya Pradesh."

At the same time BJP State President Vishnu Dutt Sharma says that Digvijaya Singh's nature has been to hunt. Scindia again mentioned the statement that "Tiger will be alive for the second time" in the BJP's program held on Thursday night. He said that Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh better hear that "The tiger is alive."

Sunil Tiwari, who is close to Scindia says that some Congress leaders have always been troubled by Scindia's influence and mass base, which is why they are now making various kinds of allegations. Congress leaders do not have the courage to admit that Scindia had contributed in forming the Congress government in the state. Scindia has always been raising voice in public interest and he joined BJP to fulfill the dreams of common people.

Politics experts say that a direct face-to-face battle has started in state politics. The political battle ground is heating up in Gwalior-Chambal division where the entire Congress will be ranged against Scindia.