NEW DELHI: The Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur could be on his way out. Senior party leaders on Monday hinted that on November 24 when party president L.K. Advani chairs a meeting of party general secretaries and other party leaders, the regime change in the State would certainly be on the agenda.

The party leadership had earlier promised a delegation of MLAs from the State that it would take up the issue after the Bihar elections were over. Over the last few days senior BJP leaders, including general secretary Arun Jaitley, who is the prabhari (in-charge) of Madhya Pradesh affairs, have been meeting State leaders.

Party sources said the "toss up" would be between State unit president, Shivraj Singh Chauhan and former Chief Minister Uma Bharati. While a number of senior leaders — Venkaiah Naidu, Pramod Mahajan and Mr. Jaitley — reportedly favour Mr. Chauhan there are some in the party who would want the MLAs to have their say.

"Consult MLAs"

Under the Constitution it is the prerogative of the leading party in the legislature to elect a leader who is the Chief Minister. However, that rule is often ignored by many political parties, and chief ministers are "installed" by the central leadership of parties, with MLAs having little or no say in this matter. There are some in the BJP who feel that not only would it be proper to get the views of elected MLAs, as required under the Constitution, it would also benefit the party if a Chief Minister is not imposed on the State against the wishes of MLAs.

Some party leaders pointed out that in several States where a "leader" has been imposed by the central leadership problems have occurred.

There are also reports that Ms. Bharti, who won the party a handsome victory in the State and who resigned following the activation of the Hubli case, was not in the mood to allow some party leaders to deny her what she considers her due. Her supporters have pointed out that Ms. Bharti has proven more than once that she is able to draw the crowds.

Bihar is also expected to be on the agenda of the meeting, especially if the results of the recent polls give a hung Assembly verdict.

Some party leaders also expect that the issue of change of guard in the top job in the party is also likely to be raised. Now that the Bihar elections are over and the declared December deadline for Mr. Advani's exit is fast approaching the meeting could take a decision on how and when the election of a new party president should be taken up.

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