Marandi camp to meet Advani now over Yadunath

During the session, most speakers expressed the view that although the BJP had succeeded in forming the government in Jharkhand due to the efforts of party workers at the block, district and the state levels, the central leaders never took them into confidence with regard to the nomination of Yadunath Pandey.

While former Union minister Karia Munda didn’t turn up, two MLAs owing allegiance to the Arjun Munda faction, Saryu Rai and P N Singh, attended the meeting.

After the session, Marandi told reporters that a panel — to be constituted soon — will meet the party high command (read Advani) and apprise him of the grievances of the partymen.

On the size of the panel and its members, Marandi said: ‘‘It is being worked out.’’

Marandi, however, made it clear that since he had played an active role in the installation of the Arjun Munda Government, he would do nothing to pull it down.

The former CM said he was not in favour of or against an individual and just aspired to democratise decision-making affairs to strengthen the party from within. ‘‘Dictatorship will not be allowed to ruin our party. We will continue to fight for restoration of democracy within,’’ said Marandi.

BJP ready to lend ear

New Delhi: The BJP’s central leadership on Tuesday indicated willingness to discuss the issue of Yadunath Pandey’s appointment as Jharkhand state unit chief with Babulal Marandi. “They are our legislators. They have some grievances and pain. Marandi is a senior leader and other senior leaders are constantly in touch with them. We are confident the problem will be sorted out soon”, spokesman Prakash Javadekar said. —PTI