Desperate to save his political career in the wake of his suspension from the Congress, former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh today reinvented himself as a Jat leader of Rajasthan at a huge rally organized by his supporters here. “I will work for my kisan brothers. In return for their sweat, son Jagat and I will shed blood for them,” he said to a crowd that braved the heat to hear ‘Chaudhary Natwar Singh.’

The change from a statesman of repute to a desperate politician clutching at his caste support was apparent. Instead of talking about the Congress or the oil-for-food scandal in which he was indicted by the Pathak probe panel, Singh devoted most of his time to establishing his credentials. “My grandfather was a farmer. I am one of you,” he said, pleased at the sight of hundreds of farmers who had gathered in a stadium on the outskirts of Jaipur for the Swabhiman (self-pride) rally.

His community, he argued, was the reason he had been targeted by the US. “My differences with the US are not on nuclear or any other issues. I am opposed to them because of their stand at the WTO,” he said. While the major sponsor of the gathering was the Jat Mahasabha, led by liquor contractor Raja Ram Meel, it was apparent that the state government had also contributed to the success of the rally. The alliance between Jats and Singh is not only of mutual interest but also suits the BJP.

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