Anonymous letter attacks Bhatt, Bariya

VADODARA, July 29: A five-page anonymous letter levelling allegations against Gujarat Electricity Board GEB chairman Nalin Bhatt and se...

VADODARA, July 29: A five-page anonymous letter levelling allegations against Gujarat Electricity Board GEB chairman Nalin Bhatt and senior BJP leader Chunibhai Bariya has surprised the party8217;s rank and file in Vadodara and made partymen curious about the sender. The BJP leadership has decided to take action against any partyman found guilty of the act.

The letter, bearing a forged party rubber stamp, was received by partymen by post over the last two days. Several persons whom Express Newsline spoke to said they had to pay Rs 12 for receiving the letter as no stamps were affixed.

The letter alleges that Bhatt and Baraiya are misusing their powers. It also blames State party leaders by saying that the BJP has suffered a lot as the State leaders listen only to these two.

Other allegations include some about the two making money illegally and misusing the GEB office. The letter claims that one Ketan Patel, close to Bhatt, opens confidential letters.

It also states that GEB contracts are going to relatives of top party leaders.

The anonymous letter recalls the alleged anti-party role played by one of the two named persons in a Lok Sabha election when party candidate Jitendra Sukhadia lost the Vadodara seat to Congress8217; Satyajitsinh Gaekwad.

One of the important charges is that a campaign has been launched in the district to tarnish the image of former party MP Jayaben Thakkar. Thakkar is most likely to be the party8217;s candidate for the forthcoming elections.

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One of the councillors said that it would be interesting to know who has written the letter. Another councillor revealed that the letter has not been despatched to partymen who are close to Bhatt.

City party president Krishankant Shah told Express Newsline on Thursday that he knew about the letter. Primarily, it seems to be the handiwork of disgruntled elements within the party, he said, adding that an inquiry would be conducted.

One party leader said it would affect the BJP8217;s image. When contacted, Bhatt said he had nothing to say8217; about the anonymous letter. In politics, such letters can be written, he added.

Bariya said as he had not seen the letter it would be difficult for him to comment.