Uttarakhand CM faces major revolt

NEW DELHI: Yet another BJP state unit is facing a rebellion that threatens to topple the chief minister (CM).

Going by the numbers, Uttarakhand CM BC Khanduri appears to have lost the confidence not only of his party but even the cabinet — 26 of the 34 party MLAs in the 70-member House, including five of the 10 cabinet ministers, have raised a banner of revolt.

The rebels met party president Rajnath Singh and top leader LK Advani on Sunday “to apprise them of the discontent among workers and the people over the chief minister’s style of functioning”, a state BJP leader said. They were led by former chief minister Bhagat Singh Koshiary.

Sources said Rajnath assured the rebels their sentiments would be given due consideration. The central leadership would prefer to keep things under wraps and not rock the boat till the Lok Sabha elections are over.

Khanduri, who was also reported to be in town, was called to Advani’s residence for a meeting around 6 pm to discuss the issue.

Trouble has been brewing in Uttarakhand BJP from the time the new government was formed. The state BJP had gone to polls under the leadership of Koshiary and most MLAs were from his camp. However, when it came to chief ministership, Khanduri was chosen by the central leadership for his clean and effective style of working.

The state unit, however, was resentful and the feeling grew as it was felt that the bureaucracy was paying scant regard to party leaders. “The rebels are prepared to go to any extent to have their way,” a state BJP leader said.
s_rajesh@dnaindia.net