Gujarat: BJP in touch with ‘useful’ rebels

“Attending a meeting organised by people who have been suspended from the party for indiscipline is also indiscipline,” a leader said. He said the party would like to retain people “in whom we have invested in” and “are of some utility.”

The party’s interest is to retain senior leaders such as Mehta. BJP feels the exit of some is good riddance since they added no value to the party’s electoral calculations, and leading that list is Gordhan Zadaphia who was suspended last month after he emerged the most vocal rebel. Jaitley, who has been given charge of the crucial state, is in touch with “everyone involved,” including CM Modi. Jaitely will be busy with organisational functions in UP next week and will be visiting Gujarat only after that.

Meanwhile, party spokesperson Prakash Javdekar said the party takes a serious view of anyone committing an act of indiscipline. He dismissed Thursday’s rebel meeting as “an insignificant development,” but warned the party will not shy away from taking actions if anyone breaches discipline.