Dont put up posters in my support,says Joshi

He was referring to recent posters in Delhi and Ahmedabad that hit out at Modi without naming him.

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Underlining that the party was above individuals,former BJP general secretary Sanjay Joshi,who has been 8220;relievedof his responsibilities,on Sunday issued an appeal on the BJP letterhead urging his supporters not to put up posters or bring out pamphlets or hold demonstrations for him that can harm the party.

Though this appears to be the job of conspirators,yet I appeal to all my well-wishers,supporters and those having sympathies for me not to put up any poster or take out pamphlets or hold demonstrations for me,Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modis bete noire Joshi said in an appeal signed on June 15.

He was referring to recent posters in Delhi and Ahmedabad that hit out at Modi without naming him.

I want to clarify that I have no animosity with anyone. That is why any poster,pamphlet or campaign against any one leader or leaders will be at cross purposes,Joshi said in his appeal.With Gujarat slated to go to polls later this year,the BJP leadership sought to pacify Modi by getting Joshi to resign from party8217;s national executive and later relieving him of all responsibilities.

Joshi,however,took an indirect potshot at Modi reminding his supporters that the party was above individuals. I have always considered the responsibility of the party above myself. Such activity causes damage to the party. The importance of an individual is due to the organisation. For me the party and its ideology is above all. We are significant only as long as the BJP is there,hence we should not take any step that would harm the party,read Joshi8217;s appeal.

This poster campaign carrying his name and photo was going on for days and it was damaging the party. So,I have issued this statement in the interest of the party,Joshi told The Indian Express.

The BJP on Sunday sought to downplay his appeal to party workersthat has come on a BJP letterhead despite the party maintaining that he has been relieved him of responsibilities. Party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain feigned ignorance about Joshis appeal.

WITH ENS AHMEDABAD