Differences run deep in party,BJP MLAs tell Gadkari

Sources said the issue of naming the party’s chief ministerial candidate was also raised by some leaders.

While some MLAs wanted the candidate to be announced at the earliest,others reportedly told Gadkari that projecting Vijay Goel as the CM candidate would not help the party in the polls.

The simmering differences within was discussed at length at the meeting after Gadkari asked all MLAs to speak up.

Sources said they reportedly told him that the infighting among party leaders could harm BJP fortunes in the polls.

“Our own leaders work against us in the elections. One of them even said differences in the high command is trickling down to the lower units of the party and senior leaders should pull themselves together for the larger good of the party,” a senior BJP leader said.

Another set of MLAs demanded that the chief ministerial candidate be declared well ahead of elections so that they can approach voters with confidence.

“It is important for the party to declare a chief ministerial candidate. When our voters question us on who will lead the ministry in case the party wins,we do not have answer and this goes against us. We need a strong face against Sheila Dikshit in the upcoming elections,” another senior MLA said.

Sources said Gadkari took note of the issues raised by MLAs and advised them to work hard in their Assembly areas.