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BJP not to oblige rebel MPs with disciplinary action

NEW DELHI: The BJP’s central leadership does not seem to favour expelling or taking other disciplinary action against the party’s MPs from Gujarat who have openly opposed its decision to fight the Assembly elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

A senior leader, just back from Gujarat, said here on Wednesday that the party would not do what the rebels wanted it to do. If expelled, the MPs would retain their seats as the anti-defection law would not apply.

At least two MPs — Vallabhai Kathiria and Somabhai Patel — have gone to the extent of asking the people to defeat the BJP led by Mr. Modi. The former Chief Ministers Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta are also with the dissidents, but Mr. Patel has made it clear — unlike the others — that he is not ready to part with the BJP.

The party is making much of this claim although Mr. Patel is the acknowledged mentor of the rebels. Only last week did some dissident leaders hold a two-day long meeting at his residence here, and the BJP is aware of the event.

Mr. Patel is believed to carry clout, especially in Rajkot district where Patels recently attended a huge rally and where the talking point was that Mr. Modi must be thrown out. The BJP would not want to do anything that may further alienate Patels.

As for Mr. Mehta, apparently he is negotiating his entry into the Congress.

BJP president Rajnath Singh has already indicated that the central leadership, which has given Mr. Modi a free hand in the election, will take no action against the rebels unless the State unit makes a specific recommendation.

There are indications that the party will try to keep Mr. Patel happy, allowing him to select his nominees for a few seats.

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