

Meerut: Unnerved by the pomp and show associated with the visit of the local BJP MLA, mother of CRPF soldier Sher Mohammad, who was injured in the Sukma Maoist ambush, turned her away. Bimla Solanki, BJP MLA from Bulandshahr’s Sikandrabad constituency, arrived in Aasifabad Chandpura village on Sunday night at the house of Fareeda Bibi, Sher Mohammad’s mother.

There was so much commotion before and during the visit that Bibi was enraged and turned the legislator away. Her elder son, Waris Ali, said, “It was more of a photo-op visit. The MLA’s entourage reached our village hours before her visit and kept bursting crackers and creating a lot of noise. They finally arrived at our house late in the night and did not stop bursting crackers. This enraged my mother who asked the MLA to leave.”

Speaking to TOI, Bibi said, “I was informed about her arrival early in the day and had been waiting for her for quite some time. Despite having reached the village, the MLA took so long to come to my my house. I personally felt that there was no need to celebrate or burst crackers. When she came to see me, I told her that 26 of my sons died for the country in Sukma and another four were in hospital. What was the need celebrate? However, later, I thanked her for visiting after she said that everyone was praying for my son’s wellbeing.”

Meanwhile, Bimla Solanki played down the entire incident. “I had to attend a function before visiting Fareeda Bibi's house. Some of my supporters lit fire crackers there. It took us some time to locate the house so we arrived there a little late. She is elder to me and her agitation was in a way justified. I would urge the Union home ministry to send a letter of commendation to Sher Mohammad for his heroic act.”

Mohammad was part of a contingent of 74th Battalion of CRPF which was attacked by Naxals last month at Sukna in Chattisgarh. Mohammad was among the injured jawans and is said to have gunned down a few Naxals even though he was grievously injured.

Soon after the attack, 65-year-old Fareeda Bibi had expressed pride over her son’s heroics. "I am proud that my son fought like a lion for his country. He is keeping alive a tradition that our family is known for," she then said.