Uncertainty over the fate of BJP chief Nitin Gadkari has left party’s state units confused. With Mr Gadkari’s current term ending later this month, saffron party’s state units are inquiring from senior leaders whether Mr Gadkari will continue or will be replaced so that they can accordingly place orders for fresh posters and greeting cards. Mr Gadkari is facing allegation of dubious source of funding to his companies.
Senior BJP leaders are flooded with phone calls from states inquiring about Mr Gadkari’s continuance so that they can place fresh order for posters, booklets, directories and other stationery. In case Mr Gadkari is replaced, state units will also have to “restrategise” their anti-corruption campaign, which was tilted towards defending Mr Gadkari ever since his companies were accused of financial wrongdoing.
While pressure is mounting on the BJP chief from within the party to not seek a second term in the wake of allegation against him, a section within the RSS, including its chief Mohan Bhagwat, are backing Mr Gadkari. However, a majority section within the sangh parivar, including the saffron party, is of the view that allegation against Mr Gadkari has dented the principal Opposition party’s anti-corruption campaign. His continuation at a time when its former Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa quit the saffron party after accusing it for “stabbing him in the back”, would further embarrass the BJP. Mr Yeddyurappa, who ushered in the first BJP government in the south, was forced to quit his CM post over corruption charges.
Though uncertainty prevails within the party over whether or nor Mr Gadkari will be given a second term for which the party’s constitution was amended, names of senior leaders, including Rajnath Singh and M. Venkaiah Naidu among others, are doing the round in the party circle as probable successor of Mr Gadkari.