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September 21, 2007 16:33 IST
Divisions in Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party were visible at the party's national executive committee meeting, which commenced in Bhopal on Friday with two prominent detractors of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi -- former chief ministers Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta -- staying away.
This was despite the fact that the meeting was crucial, as it comes ahead of the scheduled assembly polls in the state, which are expected to be an acid test for the saffron party, which hails Gujarat as its 'Hindutva laboratory.'
Recently, Keshubhai had dubbed Modi as 'Duryodhana' and criticised Advani for playing 'Dhritrashtra' by ignoring the 'misdeeds' of the Gujarat chief minister.
Modi, who had been facing party leaders' displeasure due to his style of functioning, ignoring elected representatives and curbing their democratic powers, and making bureaucrats more powerful, chose to be silent when media persons sought to know reasons for the absence of his detractors.
The rebellion seems to have resonated in the BJP national executive meeting when the saffron party was harping on the developmental initiatives taken by the Modi government to move voters during assembly elections.
While his main detractors remained absent, BJP chief Rajnath Singh had a message for Gujarat party leaders ahead of assembly polls.
"I am confident that all our leaders and workers will together ensure that the BJP emerges victorious in the elections," he said. Vajpayee hopes to be active soon: Amidst questions about leadership in BJP, unwell former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee expressed confidence that he will soon be able to be 'in the midst' of partymen.
In an open letter to partymen released at the party's national executive, he said the country was going through difficult times and the party had to meet the 'expectations' of the people.
'I regret not being amongst you despite my desire because of medical advice,' the 82-year-old veteran said, seeking the indulgence of his party leaders for his absence.
'Because of your good wishes, my health is improving and soon, I will be able to be in your midst,' Vajpayee said.
Observing that the national executive was being held at a time when the country was passing through 'difficult times,' he said there was 'political instability and uncertainty' at the Centre.
'The country's strategic interests are being impacted upon and desperate ruling coalition was hurting the sentiments of the people,' the former prime minister said.
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