While the ruling BJP is desperately trying to improve its image by doling out pro-poor sops, a series of developments has left it red in the face, something it could have done without in an election year.

A $2500 donation from Dow Chemicals, the US-based company that acquired Union Carbide a few years ago, is the latest. The amount is not significant but it has given the Opposition an opportunity to accuse the party of taking money from a company the gas tragedy victims were trying to bring to justice.

This was preceded by an embarrassing incident of a minister caught stealing power for nearly eight years. By some strange coincidence, the theft came to light when the chief minister was announcing his government’s decision to withdraw cases of power thefts against farmers. Ramdayal Ahirwar, who was recently inducted as minister of state for home, did not have a valid electricity connection at his home in Chhatarpur district. The veteran leader was forced to apply for a proper connection once the matter became public.

It all began when the minister’s son beat up a policeman and vandalised his house. Laxmi Ahirwar, a Nagar Panchayat president, was angry because the cop had refused to arrange for vehicles to welcome the minister. A power failure a few days later angered the minister’s son and he thrashed the cop when he refused to restore electricity. It did not take long for the public to know that the minister did not have a valid power connection.

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