OPIUM WASN'T SERVED: JASWANT

JAIPUR: A stickler for Marwar traditions, former Union minister
Jaswant Singh allegedly served opium-laced coloured milk from his
cupped palm to his guests who trooped in for lunch at his ancestral
house on October 31.

He told the media that while it was tradition to serve opium at
certain functions, this had not been the case on Wednesday. He said
that guests had consumed a "mix of gangajal, kesar, jaggery and tea".

While family and village functions traditionally do see opium being
served, this meet at Jasol was a muted one, he added.

He had also invited BJP president Rajnath Singh and leader of
Opposition L K Advani for the event, but they did not attend.

This is quite understandable as they could hardly be expected to
bless a rebel meet. And the ostensible reason why Vasundhara Raje was
omitted was that women can't attend such events.

But again, she would hardly be welcome. These leaders are unlikely to
regret having skipped the lunch in view of the turn it has taken over
the allegation that the guests were served opium.

Among those named in the complaint are Rajasthan BJP heavyweights and
leading dissidents. They are education minister Ghanshyam Tiwari,
industries minister Narpat Singh Rajvi (son-in-law of former
vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat) and social justice minister
Madan Dilawar.