Vanzara’s resignation letter casts a shadow on Modi’s projection as BJP’s PM candidate

Although they sought to dismiss the letter as a Congress ploy,they agreed it was damaging to Modi’s image.

“The opposition will resort to these tricks to tarnish the image in the run-up to elections. It is not going to halt us,” said a BJP parliamentary board member. The BJP has already dismissed another sting video purportedly suggesting BJP leaders trying to manipulate the judicial process in the Tulsi Prajapati case ‘fake encounter’ case.

Related: Vanzara quits,says Shah misguiding Modi

“By and large,the cadre believe that it is a Congress ploy to tarnish Modi’s image. As of now,Vanzara’s letter has not adversely affected his ascendancy,” claimed another influential party functionary. However,the functionary said it has dented Modi’s image,and a few more such controversies may even cause trouble in his announcement as the prime ministerial candidate. “This (Vanzara’s letter) is more damaging than the sting over Tulsi Prajapati case. It has more potential to damage. Undoubtedly it has dented his image a bit,” said the source.

Related: Govt refuses to accept Vanzara’s resignation

The BJP,in this context,tried to duck queries regarding the matter,with party leaders reluctant to talk about it. However,BJP members vociferously protested against attempts by the Left parties,JD(U) and SP to raise the issue in the Rajya Sabha.

When asked about Vanzara’s allegations,senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said,“He might have spoken out of agony and frustration because he was in jail for years. If anyone has to be blamed it’s the central government and the CBI… And we know how the CBI functions. I don’t think that Modi or even Amit Shah has to respond to this. Let the law take its course.”