New Delhi, Oct 20: Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today described as "most unfortunate" the Congress charge that he was "unable" to keep away from politics. "It is most unfortunate that this high office (of vice president) is being dragged into unnecessary controversy", he told reporters when asked to comment on the Congress charge.

"The day I had filed my nomination for this post, I had resigned from BJP. And now I have no connection with BJP or any other party," he said, adding that many people, including political personalities, come to meet him and would continue to do so as "I have been in the political stage for over 52 years now".

He said that he went to Rajasthan regularly "because that is my home".

Earlier in the day, Congress spokesman Anand Sharma had said "it is unfortunate that the vice president has not been able to keep himself away from party politics. We urge him to uphold the dignity of the high constitutional office he holds" and charged that he was taking keen interest in the political affairs of Rajasthan which is slated to go to the polls on December 1.
Bureau Report