Keshubhai runs into Delhi wall

But sources said that the BJP central leadership, led by L K Advani, continues to back Modi—regarded as the party’s ‘‘most able administrator’’—and is unlikely to give in. Advani refused to say a word on the developments, but BJP Parliamentary spokesman V. K. Malhotra was dismissive of the renewed activity.

In reply to questions, Malhotra said he knew nothing about the Gujarat situation, adding, ‘‘Yeh maamla barson se uth rahe hain, barson se hal ho rahen hain (This matter has been coming up for ages and settling down).’’

Other leaders privately maintained that there was little chance of the BJP central leadership taking action against Modi. Admitting that Modi had alienated large sections of the Gujarat BJP as well as the VHP and RSS because of his ‘‘highhanded behaviour’’, they felt his usefulness as an administrator and a Hindutva icon far outstripped his ‘‘behaviourial problems.’’

The rebels, sources said, are keen on Modi’s removal before the Nanavati-Shah Commission report on the Gujarat riots is tabled later this year. Since their main grouse against Modi is his ‘‘dictatorial manner’’, they do not want his ouster to be linked to the post-Godhra riots.

But others feel that Modi will be asked to go only if the Nanavati-Shah panel indicts him in any way. ‘‘If he quits on the issue of the riots, he will become a martyr for the pro-Hindutva sections in the state,’’ a senior leader said.