Former Madhya Pradesh [Images] chief minister Uma Bharti criticised former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Tuesday for his comments on the Rahul Mahajan episode. She added that Bharatiya Janata Party workers were 'ashamed' of the statement.

"BJP workers are ashamed because of Vajpayee's statement," Bharti told reporters.

Replying to a question on the allegations of drug abuse against Rahul and Vivek Moitra, former secretary to late Pramod Mahajan, Bharti said, "It is okay if it was a slip of tongue but if that had come from Vajpayee's heart, that is not a good message for the younger generation."

Vajpayee had stated at Manali on Sunday last that 'such mistakes happen in young age. Chances of such mistakes are possible when you fall in bad company and that is what happened to Rahul'.

His concern was perceived as indicative of a perception within the BJP that the party should not be seen as deserting the Mahajan family in times of difficulty. Replying to a question on introduction of 'five star culture' in BJP, Bharti said she was not in favour of glorifying poverty.

Complete coverage: Tragedy strikes Mahajans, again