With BJP rebels in Gujarat digging their heels in against chief minister Narendra Modi, the saffron party?s central leadership, worried over its impact on party?s prospects in the coming Assembly polls this year-end, is seriously contemplating to depute another senior party leader along with Arun Jaitley to try and bring a semblance of unity in the state organisation.
On his return from a two-day visit to Gujarat last Monday, party general secretary and election in-charge of the state Arun Jaitley apprised the central leadership about the affairs of in the state. Sources in the party revealed Jaitley?s meeting with Modi?s arch rival Keshubhai Patel in Gandhinagar was not that encouraging, as the former chief minister insisted that Modi is the only hurdle and the party in the state could be saved only if Modi is removed.
Alarmed over Jaitley?s assessment , the party leadership is now wanting to send a senior leader, who can persuade Keshubhai to toe party line and minimise the damage to the party in the state. Party circles are of the view that Murli Manohar Joshi may be roped in for the task, considering that he has had a good rapport with Keshubhai.
The rebels in the state, however, have contended that it is too late now for remedial measures.?Not less than ten times we went to New Delhi and explained to the central leadership how disaffection has creeped in among the party workers over the style of functioning of the chief minister. Now when the elections have come and there is a growing resentment against Narendrabhai Modi, the party has developed feeling for Keshubhai,? suspended BJP leader Gordhanbhai Jadafia said. As of now, the rebels are hell bent to make the November state elections a tri-corner affair.
?We are going to contest all the 182 seats and we are confident of winning majority under a new banner. By doing so we would be able to conclusively prove that our demand was not misplaced and the party was wrongly mystified by Modi factor,? Jadafia said.
