Finally Chander Mohan appears in public

They wondered why they were being criticised and not appreciated when they had committed no crime, professed “true love” and said so strong was their relationship that they had got married despite knowing that Chander Mohan would lose his job, and rights to family property.

He said he was confident of returning to politics, she indicated she wasn’t averse herself. But the first item on their agenda,they said was a house to move into.

His career in politics was far from over, Chander Mohan said at a press conference, held at Bali’s Chandigarh residence. “I have full faith in my people who had elected me several times earlier. Despite all that is being done, I will remain a disciplined worker of the Congress party and only the decision of the high command will be final.”

He said his removal as deputy chief minister and the withdrawal of the security provided to him were politically motivated as he wasn’t the first minister to not attend office. “There are several ministers in the Government who do not visit their offices for months together. Then why have I been removed? Going for a tour to a religious place is no crime. I have been attending to my work like signing files etc.”

Chander Mohan claimed he had been suffering at the hands of his family and had been unofficially disowned by them long back. “I was being harassed and ignored because of which I took the extreme step. It was on October 28, the day of Diwali, when getting completely frustrated, I left house forever. As for the issue of disowning me from the property is concerned, it had been done long back by the family, with all my property given to Seema (his first wife) and kids. It was only formally announced on Monday.”

Expressing his admiration for Bali, he added: “I am proud of Fiza that despite knowing that I had nothing with me, she married me. Fiza is very caring, understanding and has always helped me in my times of need… While positions and posts keep coming and going, I didn’t want to lose my true love. As for my children, as the entire property has been named after Seema, she would be in a better position to keep them with her.”

Bali/Fiza spoke to The Indian Express separately, saying they were set to start a fresh life. “It is sad to know that rather than being appreciated, we are being criticised for the bold step we have taken. Chander Mohan is no less than a hero for me as he took the bold step of giving a pious name of marriage to our relationship.”

She said Chander Mohan was “suffering with each passing day at his place”. “Being a public figure, he could not share this with anyone but he told me many a time as we were friends.” It was the fact that Chand Mohammad was a man of commitment that had drawn her towards him, Fiza said.

Fiza also claimed that while Chand Mohammad wanted to leave his family long back, she had requested him to be with them till his disabled son Mohit was alive (he passed away in March this year). She was also confident that her mother would come around to accepting their relationship. Asked whether she would enter politics, she said only if Chand Mohammad permits.