BHOPAL: Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday announced a Rs 2,800 crore overhaul of Gwalior railway station and stoppage of Andhra Pradesh Sampark Kranti express in Gwalior.
He flagged off the train after it halted for the first time in Gwalior. Interestingly, only ministers considered close to him, such as Tulsi Silawat, were present on the occasion. Other BJP leaders of the state remained largely absent. BJP leaders in Gwalior soon claimed that renovation of Gwalior railway station project and the halting of the express train had been decided much earlier.
While in Gwalior for three days, Scindia also started mobilising support for BJP leaders who have been marginalized for long within the party — prominent among them being Anoop Mishra, a former minister in Shivraj cabinet. He was also an MP from Morena before Narendra Singh Tomar was given the ticket. Scindia also visited Mishra’s residence in Gwalior.
“This way Scindia is increasing his support base in Gwalior-Chambal and other regions of the state,” a party insider said. Largely, he continues to have the support of the same group of leaders who have been with him since the Congress days.
Narendra Singh Tomar was also continuously present in Gwalior and Chambal during Scindia’s visit here.
