The RSS, which has been backing BJP president Nitin Gadkari, is now reportedly looking at other options. Sources said a section of RSS leaders is in favour of bringing back the other blue-eyed boy of the Sangh, former party president Rajnath Singh. With elections approaching and corruption emerging as the main poll plank, the RSS is looking for a “Mr Clean”, sources said. The RSS believes Mr Rajnath Singh “fits the bill”.
However, Mr Advani, who had not been too pleased with Mr Gadkari’s style of functioning, is reportedly backing Ms Swaraj. Sources said Mr Advani, who had been rapidly losing his grip over the party, “expects to regain control if Sushma could be made to replace Gadkari”, a BJP functionary said.
Meanwhile, a dispute has surfaced over Mr Gadkari’s term, which is expected to expire December 26, 2012, as he was appointed party president on December 25, 2009. His camp, however, claimed that since he officially took over as BJP chief on February 11, 2010, “technically” his term should expire February 12, 2013.