Rebels unfazed by BJP action, vow to press on

The Uttar Pradesh BJP’s decision to suspend BJP Bachao Samiti convenor Ganga Bhakt Singh from the party today for his alleged ‘‘anti-party activities’’ seemed to have no effect on Ganga Bhakt and his fellow dissidents.

‘‘We will continue to fight till the leadership concedes our demand that the BJP withdraw from the government and support it from outside,’’ Singh told reporters after a meeting of the rebels this evening.

He also ridiculed the state BJP leaders’ claim that the numbers in the dissident camp were decreasing and that many rebels had made peace overtures to them.

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‘‘These self-styled leaders are living in their fool’s paradise and only time will tell who is right,’’ he said.

BJP insiders admitted suspension of Ganga Bhakt had aggravated the crisis in the party’s state unit.