'Demolitions meant to tarnish Bachchan image'

Terming the demolition of some structures in her flat in Bhopal as "attempts by the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government to tarnish the image of the Bachchan family," Indira Bhaduri, mother of actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan, on Saturday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Madhya Pradesh has also joined in the 'conspiracy'.

Addressing a joint press conference in Bhopal, Bhaduri and Samajwadi Party legislator Narayan Tripathi alleged that the demolition under anti-encroachment drive at her flat by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation showed that the Bachchan family was being targeted by the Congress-led coalition at the Centre and now by the ruling BJP.

Describing as "improper and inappropriate" the operations carried out at her Shyamala Hills flat on September 14, she said the names of her son-in-law Amitabh and daughter Jaya were deliberately but unnecessarily being dragged into the issue.

Stating that the flat where she was staying alone at present was bought by Jaya and given to her, Bhaduri said others residing in the colony were facing hardship due to alleged conspiracy by Congress and BJP.

Tripathi said his party would oppose any attempt to "defame" the Bachchan family and also raise the issue in the state Assembly adding, that if necessary, a state-wide agitation would be launched.

BMC razed down some structures, including the boundary wall of the flat of Bachchan's in-laws' house on September 14.

Though Mayor Sunil Sood said the residents were informed about the drive in advance, Bhaduri's lawyer claimed that the structures were legal and authorised, while the notice did not give the residents even a day's time.