Keshubhai for PCC chief? BJP split wide open

Elections for BJP party president in Gujarat have run into rough weather with Chief Minister Narendra Modi...

Elections for BJP party president in Gujarat have run into rough weather with Chief Minister Narendra Modi and senior leader Keshubhai Patel locking horns over who will lead the party during the 2007 Assembly elections.

Representations made by Modi and Keshubhai supporters to party vice-president and central observer Bal Apte, who is here to hear out both factions, has brought differences in the party to the fore. Dissidents from 16 districts have reportedly made representation to Apte about the 8220;unconstitutional8221; methods adopted by the Modi group in the recent district-level elections. They also furnished details regarding how loyalists of Keshubhai, Kashiram Rana and Suresh Mehta have been wiped out in their respective areas.

Dissident leaders who arrived at the Circuit House included former chief minister Suresh Mehta, former Union minister Vallabh Kathiria, MLA Gordhan Zadaphia, Kashiram Rana, Dhiru Gajera, Lalit Mehta, K D Jeswani and Dr A K Patel. Taking credit for Apte8217;s visit, the dissidents said, 8220;Based on our strong presentation, the high command has sent Apte to hear workers and submit a report to the central election committee.8221; According to party insiders, the representatives requested Apte to reschedule elections in areas from where complaints of irregularities have emerged. They also made it a point to sing praises of former chief minister Keshubhai Patel who, according to them, is willing to shoulder the responsibility.

According to a senior dissident leader, the workers have stated that when Keshubhai is ready to serve the party in the last phase of his life, the seniors should not harbour second thoughts. Another leader said they had told the vice-president that the party requires a strong candidate to lead them. 8220;Keshubhai is a leader of the masses, he can pull votes for the party and should be given a chance,8221; leaders told Apte.

Not to be left behind, Modi supporters, along with senior ministers, were also camping at the Circuit House. Calling the protests a 8220;drama8221;, a Modi aide said nothing would emerge from the exercise as the high command has almost finalised Purshottam Rupala8217;s name.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Apte has asked a three-member committee constituted by the central high command to look into all complaints on a case-by-case basis.