Judeo heat in Winter session

‘‘We discussed the campaign, our poll-prospects, post-poll scenario and the Parliament session,’’ Naidu told reporters at the BJP headquarters. Sources, however, say that the Judeo VCD was the key issue. Since the government’s stand in Parliament was far removed from a strategic line, the BJP high command wanted to adopt a well-considered view on the Judeo issue. The choice was between adopting an aggressive line in Judeo’s defence or distancing the party and the Government from what he had allegedly done.

The BJP had retained Judeo as its star campaigner and party leaders campaigning in Chhattisgarh had alleged that the VCD was ‘‘doctored’’. They had made insinuations to the effect that Judeo was a victim of CM Ajit Jogi’s machinations.

Sources say Vajpayee was in favour of disassociating the government and the BJP from Judeo. This had been the party’s strategy in case of former party president Bangaru Laxman too. Vajpayee had kept enough room for this tactical withdrawal during his speeches in Chhattisgarh. He had demanded Jogi’s resignation over the CBI chargesheet and had cited the example of Judeo, who had stepped down .

Advani, according to sources, wondered if this change in stance was advisable. The Chhattisgarh leader, unlike Laxman, is a favourite with the Sangh due to his anti-conversion campaign. Sources say the leaders agreed to wait till the election results for a final view on the matter. It appears Judeo’s fate is linked to his bete noire, Jogi. If Jogi leads the Congress to victory, the BJP may sideline Judeo. If the BJP wins, there is no getting away from Judeo.

The BJP may take more time to position itself on the matter, as the PM is leaving for Nigeria and Ghana on December 4, the same day when the poll results will be announced. The Lok Sabha may adjourn tomorrow due to the death of a sitting BJP member from Davangere Mallikarjunappa.