Advani may bridge Modi-Patel rift

At the meetings to discuss candidates, what Modi proposes, Keshubhai opposes, and vice-versa. Even Sanjay Joshi— the man sent to tilt the balance in Keshubhai’s favour — is left a mute spectator.

In the Saurashtra region, for instance, Keshubhai does not want Modi’s men to get even a toehold. Hence, he wants all MLAs to be given ticket. Modi wants some changes, but Keshubhai won’t budge. The only change he will allow is in Visavadar, his own consituency, where he now wants his son Bharat to contest.

That there is no end to squabbling was evident once the leadership started meeting observers from each constituency. Such meetings were to be completed on November 7-8. But the date had to be extended.

Then state BJP president Rajendrasinh Rana announced that the Parliamentary Board meetings — which were to finalise the list for the Central Parliamentary Board’s clearance — were to be held on November 10 and 13. But after the November 10 meeting, Jaitley said it was ‘‘just an informal meeting’’. For yesterday’s meeting, Khandelval took charge. Again, Rana said: ‘‘This was just another sitting.’’