Jogi camp hiccups as Shukla shares meal with VP Singh

Shukla, however, said: ‘‘It’s not the right time to open my cards. Everyone in Chhattisgarh will come to know when something happens from my side,’’ he said.

The former PM, who was here to address a rally of employees of the All India Insurance, was closeted with Shukla yesterday for almost an hour over breakfast.

Sources close to Shukla confirmed that the two leaders discussed the state’s political situation and the need for a third front in view of the Congress’ dwindling popularity in the state. Asked what transpired between the two, Singh only said: ‘‘Shuklaji has been my closet friend since the Jan Morcha days. I wish him good luck.’’ Shukla too refused to divulge details of the meeting.

Congress leaders believe that Shukla is seriously considering floating his own political outfit or revive some old political banner to field his candidates in the elections. Sources said Shukla is buying time since he believes that if he makes known his decision to float his own party now, the Chief Minister would make things tough for him during the polls.

For the past month, Congress leaders have been demanding disciplinary action against Shukla for ‘‘anti-party activities’’. AICC secretary Daljit Singh even went on record last week and asked Shukla to make a choice between quitting the party and staying back and abiding by party rules.

Jogi, political observers said, is not in favour of taking any action against Shukla at this stage as that would only make the latter a hero.