Rajasthan BJP split wide open over panel nominees

Serious differences have arisen in Rajasthan BJP over the composition of the seven-member Coordination Committee...

Serious differences have arisen in Rajasthan BJP over the composition of the seven-member Coordination Committee, forcing the party high command to keep the formation of the state panel on hold.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and state general secretary organisation Prakash Chandra have both refused to accept each other8217;s nominees. Sources say the CM is insistent upon the exclusion of Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, number-two in her Cabinet, from the panel. Prakash, party strongman, who is on deputation from the RSS, is equally adamant that Kataria has to be nominated.

A former state BJP president, Kataria is firmly rooted in RSS. Hailing from Udaipur, he is closely identified with the section opposed to Vasundhara Raje. Two persons from the state government, apart from the CM are slated to find their place in the committee.

The CM is backing Grievances Redressal Committee chairman, Satya Narain Gupta, a close associate from the Jhalawar area and PWD Minister Rajendra Singh Rathore, belonging to Churu.

The CM, sources said, has also suggested the name of Irrigation Minister Sanwar Lal Jat, who has come to BJP via-Janata Dal, in place of Kataria.

The anti-Chief Minister group has offered to accept a Jat or a Rathore, provided Vasundhara gives up her objection to Kataria. State BJP president Mahesh Chandra Sharma and Prakash have to be on the body by virtue of their positions. Two more slots have to be filled by a person from the organisational wing. Vasundhara8217;s preference is for vice-president V P Singh and general secretary Shrichand Kriplani, members of the Lok Sabha from Bhilwara and Udaipur, respectively.

The rival group has put forward the name of general secretary Satish Poonia, which has been turned down by Vasundhara. With the deadlock continuing, it has now become incumbent upon the high command to step in and use its veto.