Chauhan in Catch-22 situation

But, his rivals, the Hajuria group, are having the last laugh. 8220;We would be more than happy if Chauhan is appointed chairman of some corporation or elevated to the post of the state general secretary8221;, says former mayor Ajit Desai. A senior councillor, too, points outs that once Chauhan is out of the scene, all Khajurias will fall in line and this will go a long way in strengthening the party,8221;

According to observers, Chauhan wants to confine himself to the SMC because he wants his wife, who is also a councillor, to be nominated for the post of the mayor. The present Mayor Navneet Jariwala completes his tenure on June 30 and under the rotational system the new mayor has to be a woman. However, observers point out that it will be no cakewalk for Chauhan8217;s wife Snehlata as she has a strong contender 8212; Savitaben Sharda 8212; also vying for the top post.

However, for the record Chauhan says he is happy with his present assignment. 8220;I have never asked for any post in the party or corporation,8221; he asserts, but maintains that as a loyal party worker he would follow the party directive. As for the post of chairman, Chauhan says he would neither say yes8217; nor no8217; as any categorical statement could be misconstrued, specially when the party was gearing up for organisational elections.

Election for the post of the BJP city president is to be held by July 10. With the city president also tipped for the post of SUDA chairman, hectic lobbying has started in the party circle. The name of C R Patil, a leading industrialist, is doing the rounds for the post, but Patil says he is not interested. 8220;I would rather become chairman of some corporation. Anyway I haven8217;t even applied for the post,8221; he says.

Among other prominent names doing the rounds for the post are Praveen Naik treasurer, Kanubhai Mawani former MLA, Kanubhai Joshi general secretary and Ajay Choksi former standing committee chairman of SMC.However, former mayor Desai does not rule out Patil8217;s chances of becoming the president. 8220;He has the money, he is very ambitious and can maneuver things to his advantage8221;, Desai says, explaining why he cannot be written off.

In fact, the word going around is that if nominated Patil will use the post to settle scores with Union Textile Minister Kashiram Rana. Patil, once a close confidant of Rana, fell out with him following differeces. Patil, however, denies differences with Rana and claims that he is in constant touch with the minister.