BJP fails to pacify estranged Aher

At the end of a three-hour-long meeting, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) estranged ex-MLA Dr Daulatrao Aher on Tuesday said his differences with the state leadership were not sorted out as yet. BJP legislature party leader Gopinath Munde, too, admitted that Dr Aher had not withdrawn his resignation and that there would be another round of talks.

Before leaving the Vidhan Bhavan premises, Dr Aher suggestively remarked, “We have now to go to another place,’’ indicating to his reported dinner meeting with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. “I will not take any decision before I consult my supporters,’’ he said.

His supporters who had gathered at the venue were sloganeering, “Whatever ‘Baba’ (Dr Aher) decides we shall support him.’’
Munde admitted that Dr Aher has sought two more days’ time to decide. He, however, expressed confidence that the estranged leader will not leave the party. The senior BJP leader had earlier argued that when a leader like Eknath Khadse had not quit the party, there is no possibility of Dr Aher resigning.

“Trying to convince a man who has made up his mind is of no use,’’ remarked a senior BJP leader when asked to comment on the outcome of the meeting between Dr Aher and senior state BJP leaders.

Sources said Dr Aher’s grudge was that despite his opposition, the party had considered the candidature of Pratap Sonawane for the Legislative Council seat from Nashik. The state leadership had argued that the candidate recommended by Dr Aher was not capable of winning the election. At the meeting it was also pointed out to Dr Aher that despite the opposition from within the party, the leadership had, on his insistence, admitted Congress rebel Prasad Hirey into the party. Hirey lost a seat that was a BJP stronghold.