UP rebels bide their time

While the BJP rebels in Uttar Pradesh await a verdict on their membership in the House, they are continuing with their offensive, albeit behind the curtains. 8216;8216;We mishandled the initial rebellion by inviting the media in every step. Our mission to topple the Mayawati government failed; it resulted in only embarrassing some of our rank Raja Bhaiya and others. We will continue meeting legislators and wait for a moment to strike,8217;8217; said a rebel leader.

8216;8216;It8217;s all as per our wait-and-watch game,8217;8217; Save BJP Committee spokesperson Ramashish Rai said. The strategy was obvious yesterday when a prominent leader of their camp, Ganga Bux Singh, shared the dais with Urban Development Minister Lalji Tandon, who was projected as a villain by rebels, in Unnao.

8216;8216;I apologise for the rebellion and assure you that I will be with the BJP always,8217;8217; Singh told Tandon. And in turn, the minister got him projects worth nearly Rs 1 crore for his segment. 8216;8216;Singh never aired his grievances in public and everybody is free to do so on the party8217;s forum,8217;8217; Tandon said.

While many see that as Singh8217;s homecoming, more such meetings are rumoured to take place in different Assembly segments, perhaps to project that there8217;s no bad blood between rebels and the party.