Lone BJP MLA comes out in Kalyan8217;s support

Rajpoot8217;s reaction came immediately after a statement by the dissidents, led by Vidhan Parishad member Rajesh Pandey, that the decision to replace the chief minister would be taken in a month.

Pandey claimed that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani and party president Kushabhau Thakre listened to them carefully and 8220;instilled a feeling of satisfaction8221; among the dissidents.

He claimed that the total number of dissidents who had gone to Delhi was 28.

The Umarda legislator, a Kalyan Singh supporter, said it was unfortunate that the dissidents had chosen an 8220;inopportune8221; timefor their activities. Demanding disciplinary action against those maligning the party, he said, 8220;In fact, such elements are to be tackled with a heavy hand so that no party functionary could ever think of weakening the party,8221; he added.

Rajpoot alleged that the Public Works Department and Urban Development ministers in the Kalyan Singh Cabinet were holding dissidents8217; meetings in their homes. They were helping to create a dissident lobby in the party, he claimed.

The legislator also warned the dissidents, saying the Kalyan Singh supporters would not remain silent if 8220;a handful of legislators8221; continued to carry out with their evil designs. 8220;We will expose the misdeeds of such dissidents if required,8221; he added.

Kalyan Singh, talking to reporters yesterday, had hinted that several members of the party were agitated at the dissidents8217; activities and had even asked him to launch a tirade against them. He added that he disallowed it to avoid an 8220;unnecessary confrontation.8221;

Singh had also demandedthe party leadership take action against dissidents.

The chief minister had claimed he had a larger support base within the party and allied parties. The two major allies, the Loktantrik Congress and the Jantantrik Bahujan Samaj Party, had come out openly in support of Singh8217;s leadership.