The discontent over BJP president Nitin Gadkari’s new team grew louder, especially from the poll-going state of Bihar.
Former Union minister CP Thakur criticised the “discrimination against Bihar” and called it “particularly unfortunate” since the party was in power there and it was an election year. Bihar MP and one of the seven spokespersons in Gadkari’s team, Shahnawaz Hussain, also protested by not attending a meet organised by Sushma Swaraj.
“The team lacks balance, especially in terms of representation to states and only some seniors have been given the respect they deserve,” Thakur said on record. He said he would speak to “other seniors” after he returns.
Hussain excused himself from the meeting pleading ill-health, but no one was in doubt why he was absent. He reportedly told people he was upset at not being made a secretary.
One former chief minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the team. “Unless we know the pressures under which the team was made, I cannot say it is unfair, but if so many senior leaders are willing to go on record with their dissatisfaction there must be something,” he told DNA.
Party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy tried to duck questions on the matter. “Shahnawazji is ill and could not come to the meeting,” he said. “As for this dissatisfaction, Gadkariji has welcomed anyone with grievances to speak to him,” he said.
This seemingly open challenge to Gadkari seems to have its epicentre in the Bihar unit which is divided over the party’s relationship with the JD(U) and the leadership of Sushil Modi. Gadkari’s advent was meant to curb infighting, but the three-month ceasefire seems to have ended.
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