Netas, who welcomed Akash, tight-lipped

INDORE/BHOPAL: PM Narendra Modi 's stinging criticism of BJP stalwart Kailash Vijayvargiya 's MLA son, Akash, for attacking a civic official with a bat, has left state party leaders shell shocked.PM Modi didn't name Akash, but said that such leaders, "no matter whose son", should be expelled, along with those who support them, say sources. Sources in the state party unit say stern action is expected against leaders involved in such controversies.The entire Akash episode had played out before cameras, deeply embarrassing the BJP. Videos of Akash's attack, Kailash's ticking off a TV reporter, filthy abuses hurled by BJP leaders at IMC and police, and finally celebratory firing by BJP workers after Akash's bail, had gone viral, and still being shared widely. Several BJP leaders of Indore — including MLAs — had backed Akash and garlanded him on stepping out of prison. PM Modi made his displeasure clear on Tuesday. According to a BJP leader present at the Delhi meeting, Modi said: "We do not want any leader who spoils the party’s image. No matter whose son, such leaders should be removed from the party. Those who welcomed him should also be expelled."BJP MLA and Kailash’s close confidante Ramesh Mendola, party legislator Mahendra Hardia, corporator Chandu Shinde and BJYM leader Sumit Mishra were among those who had welcomed Akash at the jail gates after his release on bail on June 30. It was Mishra who had led the public abusing of police and administration earlier. City BJP president Gopikrishna Neema and former MLA Jeetu Jirati also celebrated his release.When TOI contacted them on Tuesday, no one would say a word. They all claimed to be unaware of the PM’s statement, and hurriedly cut the conversation. "I am not aware of it. I am on my way to a party membership drive meeting," Mendola said. Mayor Malini Gaud, who distanced herself from the incident, said that she was in her office and didn’t know of the developments. Neema refused to comment.Akash stayed away from media glare. He was very vocal on Monday, demanding a CBI probe into demolition of dilapidated buildings by IMC, but wasn’t heard at all on Tuesday.After the PM’s outburst, state BJP leaders distanced themselves from the incident. BJP leaders attending meetings of SC-ST front, youth wing and membership drive in Bhopal clammed up. "PM Modi has said something that we are not aware of. If he has said something, then party leaders will follow it," said BJP’s membership drive state convener Arvind Bhadoria. He parried queries about possible action.BJP leaders attending the Delhi meet did not comment, either. Party national organisational general secretary, Ramlal, state in-charge Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, state president Rakesh Singh, former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan , Union ministers Thawar Chand Gehlot and Narendra Singh Tomar — none of them responded to calls."Rakesh Singh is in New Delhi. He will discuss with party leaders what action is to be taken, if needed. As of now, there are no details about the meeting," BJP state organising secretary, Suhas Bhagat told TOI.Confirming the proceedings in the BJP Parliamentary meet, Union minister for social justice Thawar Chand Gehlot said there is no need to elaborate on PM Modi’s outburst as everything is in the open. PM also addressed on the role of party organisation."PM Modi’s reaction is known to all. He also elaborated on organisational responsibility. His address on organisational importance is always inspiring and laudable," Gehlot told TOI on the BJP meet.Sources said what senior BJP leaders had initially felt about Akash’s misbehaviour with officials finally came from the horse's mouth.Sources told TOI that the party has issued instructions to review every such case where sons and relatives of senior BJP leaders were involved in misbehaviour or unlawful activities. The national leadership has also hinted at a review of the state organization for failing to rein in netas who have embarrassed the party.Even after PM Modi’s remarks, there are a few sympathisers who defended Akash and his father Kailash Vijayvargiya. “Akash is a greenhorn in politics. The party must forgive him and give another chance,” said former minister Vijay Shah, a follower of Kailash. Former MLA from Indore, Sudarshan Gupta, said, “This matter should end here. The party must give a chance to Akash."