Anxious to revive the BJP?s fortunes in Uttar Pradesh after its worst ever performance in the Assembly polls in May this year, party leaders are restless over the inordinate delay in appointment of a new president for the state.
State BJP leaders claim that since time is ticking away for the 2009 General Elections and UP being crucial for the party?s dream to capture power at the Centre, more delay in finding a suitable person to lead the party in the state would only prove disadvantageous.
?The party has been passing through an unprecedented phase, as it has lost credibility among the mass. To put the party on revival course, we not only need to convene meetings, but also to take tough decisions. The decisions include selecting a new state unit chief, who has the sense to read the pulse of the people,? a senior BJP leader, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha from the state, said.
Party circles feel that a Brahmin may be best suited to lead the BJP in the state in the backdrop of UP chief minister Mayawati?s strategy to win over the community. A few names are already doing the rounds, which include party?s Kisan Morcha president Vinod Pandey, state unit general secretary Ramapati Ram Tripathi, senior leader and in-charge of party?s Kashi region Mahendra Nath Pandey and the veteran Kalraj Mishra.
Party circles, however, contended that both Vinod Pandey and Tripathi might have already lost the race, with strengthening prospects of Mahendra Nath and Mishra. Pandey?s candidature was rejected on the grounds that he not only lacked experience but also did not have a pan-state appeal. Tripathi?s candidature, on the other hand, did not find favour in the top central leadership, with Rajnath Singh going against him.
According to party circles, Kalraj Mishra?s elevation to the top post may also find resistance from Singh, even though he does have the support and backing of a large number of central functionaries and leaders from the state. Mahendra Nath, party circles contend, could emerge as the choice eventually.
