Post FIR, star campaigner Judeo faces Bangaru’s fate

In the newly-formed state executive, Judeo has been removed from the post of senior vice-president — a post he held even after his resignation from the Vajpayee Cabinet. His Rajya Sabha term also ends this year and there could be more problems for him to get his renomination unless absolved by the CBI.

It’s clear the party is not eager to assign any new responsibility to him. In the meeting of the new executive today, Judeo did not figure among leaders shortlisted for leading the ‘Atal Sandesh Abhiyan’ or for organising the BJP’s four major rallies before Lok Sabha polls. Judeo has not been to the party office or to any meeting in Raipur after the formation of the Raman Singh government. Party leaders are also not sure if he would be available on January 24 when BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu arrives in Raipur to address the state executive.

Asked if the party would utilise Judeo’s services, party state president Nand Kumar Sai parried the question. ‘‘He will be one among our senior leaders to campaign for the party,’’ he said. Said also refused to answer questions about fielding Judeo in the Lok Sabha elections but said he (Sai) would not be the candidate for LS elections.

Sai confirmed that the state BJP unit was opposed to any alliance with the V.C. Shukla-led breakaway NCP faction for LS polls. ‘‘Party leaders are of the view that we should go alone in Chhattisgarh as we did in Assembly elections. Under the PM’s leadership and on the basis of the government’s performance, we will sweep the polls,’’ he said.

The BJP is also trying to impress upon the Central leadership that Shukla himself was facing a revolt in the party and a large number of his men were in touch with the Congress after Ajit Jogi’s exit. NCP leaders had already held three rounds of meetings and could desert Shukla anytime once new PCC chief Motilal Vora takes charge formally.