NEW DELHI, June 28: The Jayalalitha problem has brought into focus the confusion in the BJP on how to handle the AIADMK general secretary. While moderates like Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Deputy chairman of the Planning Commission Jaswant Singh appear to be in favour of giving her the importance she values, hardliners in the party are arguing against any further appeasement and ``pampering''.The division is due to the absence of a clear strategy at a time when Jayalalitha is threatening to withdraw support to the BJP-led government and the government is facing its most serious crisis. After boycotting yesterday's Coordination Committee meeting, Jayalalitha has called a meeting of AIADMK Front allies on July 1 to discuss future strategy. Reports from Chennai said that the question of withdrawal of Front ministers from the government could be on the agenda. Though Jaswant Singh, supposed to leave for Chennai to brief Jayalalitha on the Coordination Committee meeting, has yet to go. But by taking itstime, the BJP is signalling that it is no longer prepared to pander to Jayalalitha.The issue of Tamil Nadu government's dismissal apart, Jayalalitha is believed to have told her confidantes that former PMs Rajiv Gandhi and P V Narasimha Rao used to telephone and consult her regularly even though they enjoyed a majority in Parliament but that leaders in this government have not had the courtesy to do so even though they are dependent on her support. Hardliners, however, feel that the government image as well as the BJP's is getting a beating by constantly appearing to be prostrating before Jayalalitha. ``We are tired of pampering her. We are losing our cool,'' a senior BJP functionary remarked a few days ago. The party has been banking on the TINA (there is no alternative) factor, arguing that until the AIADMK has a viable option it will be forced to continue its support.The events of the past few days have forced a rethink on this policy, as the Congress and other Opposition parties move towards somekind of understanding. Meanwhile, Jayalalitha is reported to be in touch with some Opposition leaders. But a section of BJP leaders believe that it would be difficult for any Opposition group, including the Left, to agree to Jayalalitha's main demand and are hopeful that she will not pull out. Meanwhile, the government is taking comfort from a limited opinion poll conducted a month ago which finds that urban public opinion about the government performance is generally favourable.The poll states that nearly 35 per cent voters interviewed found the government's performance good, while 40 per cent said it was satisfactory. Vajpayee's performance was adjudged better, with 42 per cent giving him a ``good'' rating.
