Rahul Mahajan addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. _ PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

NEW DELHI: A day after being released on bail, Rahul Mahajan said he was not a drug dependent or user, and hinted at the involvement of people with some hidden agenda in the entire episode.

Reading out a written statement at a press conference at 7 Safdarjung Road here on Thursday, Mr. Mahajan said he had not committed any legal or moral wrong. While thanking those who stood by him, he said, "There may be a section of society who may have some other hidden agenda, for which I sincerely have no answer."

Apology to family

Clean-shaven and dressed in a white shirt and cream trousers, Mr. Mahajan apologised to his mother, sister, uncle Gopinath Munde and all relatives and friends to whom the incident caused "great pain and anguish."

Since April 22, when his father was shot in Mumbai, he and his family had been through a very sad phase. "It is worse than what happens in Hindi films. May God not inflict such trouble even on enemies."

To a query about a career in politics, he said his first priority was to spend time with his family, come out of the present crisis, and take it from there. "I will wash all the stains on me and [my] family's image, and will do my father proud one day."

"BJP is like family"

Flanked by lawyers and family friends, Mr. Mahajan brushed aside all talk about the Bharatiya Janata Party cold-shouldering him.

"The BJP is like family. I was born in the BJP, I live in the BJP and I will die in the BJP. I don't look upon them [senior leaders] as leaders only, but as uncles and family members."

He was overwhelmed by the gesture of the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had "touched my family, my life and my soul." He would soon meet Mr. Vajpayee and seek his blessings, as he was just like a father.

Judiciary thanked

While thanking the judiciary for taking an impartial view, Mr. Mahajan steered clear of any question related to the case, saying that the matter was sub-judice.

He also refused to comment on the death of his father's personal secretary, Bibek Moitra, saying investigations were on.

While stating that he felt humiliated by the entire episode, Mr. Mahajan said he was now in a better position to defend himself as he was out on bail.

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