Panic in BJP as knives are out

Some 300 BJP workers, led by city vice-president Vikram Rathod and party leader in corporation Suhas Kulkarni, occupied the office around noon. The agitated workers had informed State party leaders that they would continue to stage dharna till Anna Joshi was replaced by Pradeep Ravat.

A group of workers were also demonstrating outside the party office.

While the protest at the office was on this evening, several men went in delegations to Joshi8217;s office requesting him to withdraw in favour of Ravat.

Ravat and Girish Bapat, who met L K Advani in Goa, returned to the city this morning. Both, however, refused to divulge details of what transpired at the meeting.

Claims and counter claims were made by both the Joshi and Ravat camps throughout the day. Ravat supporters maintained that the 35 minutes meeting was 8220;successful8221; with Advani assuring Bapat and Ravat that the party would reconsider its decision.

Joshi supporters, on the another hand, claimed that Advani made it absolutely clear that the party would not change its decision at any cost. Joshi supporters also said that the party would not change its decision as it would set a wrong precedence.

Sources close to Joshi said even the RSS leadership had taken serious note of the behaviour of Ravat supporters and have asked the party leadership to put a stop to it immediately.

Meanwhile, Joshi today began electioneering by taking out padyatras and conducting meetings of workers. Joshi supporters have also faxed letters to party leaders demanding that under no circumstances should Joshi8217;s name be reconsidered.