Uma Bharati, Gaur patch up

In an attempt to bridge the widening divide in the state8217;s BJP unit, the party high command today stepped in and brokered peace between...

In an attempt to bridge the widening divide in the state8217;s BJP unit, the party high command today stepped in and brokered peace between Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur and his predecessor Uma Bharati.

Both were summoned to party president L K Advani8217;s residence. Bharati was accompanied by Swadesh Jagran Manch leader S Gurumurthy, who had earlier helped restore her ties with the BJP leadership. At the end of the meeting, both Gaur and Bharati vowed to work together in the interest of the party and the state.

8216;8216;I express regret for having made harsh remarks against her,8217;8217; said Gaur, who, emboldened by Bharati8217;s suspension from the BJP, had earlier described her as a 8216;8216;sinking ship.8217;8217; Today, he called her 8216;8216;didi8217;8217;.

Bharati reciprocated in equal measure. Underlining the fact that Gaur is older by 30 years, she defined him as a father figure. 8216;8216;I have told Advaniji that I have no grudge against him,8217;8217; she told reporters, terming Gaur8217;s apology as a sign of his greatness. All our differences have come to an end, she added. Asked if she would like Gaur to continue in his post, Bharati replied that it was she who had mooted the proposal to make him CM. 8216;8216;How can I withdraw it now?8217;8217; she asked. Bharati is known to be unhappy with the party leadership for failing to reinstate her as MP CM after her Tiranga Yatra.

But when asked about her future relation with Gaur, she said, 8216;8216;Aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya.8217;8217;

Meanwhile, the sudden truce between Bharati and Gaur has surprised many state party leaders, more so as Gaur8217;s public apology comes just days after he sacked Bharati loyalist Sunil Nayak from his Cabinet. Nayak then raised the demand for Gaur to be removed and Bharati to be brought back as CM.

8216;8216;The party high command realised the potential of the simmering discomfort within the Uma faction blowing up into a major controversy. This necessitated some action. So they had to intervene,8217;8217; commented a senior leader. 8216;8216;I want to stay silent on the issue now. But I am a true party worker and any attempts to strengthen the party is welcome,8217;8217; said Nayak today.