A much embarrassed BJP was counting its losses but hoped “that the controversy would die its own death in a few days”. “Shekhawatji is a senior leader and president of our party has already said whatever he had to,” said BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad when asked about Shekhawat’s assertions.

Shekhawat was, however, in no mood to relent as he regretted his decision to help install Raje as the Rajasthan chief minister and alleged the role of money to buy party tickets in the recently-concluded Assembly elections. “Tickets beche gaye hain, paise ka durupyog hua hai. BJP ka shudhikaran hona chahiye (Tickets have been sold and money power has been employed. There’s a need to cleanse the BJP),” he said. “The role of money power and casteism have led to irrelevance of democracy. This should be a matter of concern for the entire political system.”

Shekhawat had his parting shot ready when he was receiving visitors, including community leaders and BJP MPs like Bangaru Laxman at his Aurangzeb Road residence in the evening. “My moves may harm a few individuals, but it will ultimately help the country,” he said. Asked if there should be a retirement age in politics, the 86-year-old leader's reply was an emphatic “no”.