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Munda or Marandi: doubts persist

RANCHI, JULY 4. The BJP will contest the coming Assembly elections in Jharkhand with collective responsibility, party's national General Secretary Rajnath Singh has said.

He, however, refused to specify whether the party would fight the polls under Chief Minister Arjun Munda or party's Vice-President Babulal Marandi.

Talking to UNI here today, Mr Singh conceded that there were lapses in the party's functioning, which led to its debacle.

He said the loopholes would be plugged and workers would have to give their best with renewed vigour to ensure the BJP's success in the coming Assembly polls.

He said, ``Mr Marandi had an excellent tenure as the Chief Minister of this nascent State, while Mr Munda is also doing a commendable job as the present Chief Minister.''

There is still doubt whether the party is re-considering the leadership of Mr Munda or Mr Marandi has been tipped to take over the reins. But party sources here said that given the fluid situation among the rank and file of the party, such a move is a far cry.

Moreover, it might not convey the right signal to the key ally JD (U), whose support is imperative to run the show.

The BJP leader said the party had never compromised on Hindutva, which is ingrained in the ethos of the party, and by now other communities know it well that they can trust the BJP.

Sensing the discontent among the party workers, Mr Singh urged them to launch a vigorous campaign for the party with renewed enthusiasm for the coming Assembly polls to ensure their victory.

Finalising the strategy for the coming polls at the executive meeting last evening, it was decided that the workers would prepare the report-cards for prospective candidates, which would be the key criteria in giving tickets. ``The workers should not be ignored at any cost,'' Mr Singh clarified.

He urged the workers to ensure that the party would register victory with at least 60 seats.

He denied groupism in the party and said there could be inner-party differences but they would be amicably resolved.

Mr Marandi said that after assuming power the party had deviated from its cherished objectives. He said: "We neglected the organisation and lacked understanding with the allies.'' -- UNI

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