Faction ridden Maharashtra unit of BJP welcomes Rajiv Pratap Rudy

However, Rudy plans to perform as facilitator to improve party's performance

Tough task lies ahead for the newly appointed BJP’s in charge of Maharashtra (Prabhari) Rajiv Pratap Rudy especially to bring warring factions together and consolidate party’s position in the state in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Rudy’s appointment comes at a time when the party is struggling to appoint a new chief for its Mumbai unit following severe differences among factions led by former national president Nitin Gadkari, BJP’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde and some leaders claiming the support of RSS. Rudy is expected to visit Mumbai in the first week of June.

Further, Rudy will have to make all efforts to put up a united show to increase party’s tally in the coming general elections from nine seats in 2009 parliamentary elections. Even though the party wants to continue its over two decade alliance with Shiv Sena, it was quite keen to rope in Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to forge “Maha Yuti” (grand alliance) to take on Congress-NCP alliance. Rudy, who is well versed with the alliance politics in his home state Bihar with JD (U), will have to use his skills and experience in this regard.

Rudy, who is currently travelling in Dharmashala, told Business  Standard “My role will be facilitator to improve party’s performance as Maharashtra with 48 Lok Sabha seats is quite crucial for BJP.  There is a well established leadership  including Nitin Gadkari, Gopinath Munde. Besides, the party has recently appointed a young and dynamic leader Devendra Phadanvis as state party chief.” He said people in Maharashtra wants a change  and therefore he would make all efforts so that party takes a great stride in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections and thereafter in the state assembly polls.

Welcoming Rudy’s appointment, former union minister and RSS leader Jayavantiben Mehata said Rudy will be able to take along both the old and new generations. “Rudy has a clean image and has been in the national politics. He won’t encourage groupism instead take all factions together in impartial manner.”

Further, Vinod Tawde, leader of opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council said Rudy is young and dynamic leader and he will be catalyst in taking party to new height.

On the other hand, Raj Purohit, BJP’s Mumbai unit president hoped that the party’s prospects will be further become bright under Rudy’s leadership. “Rudy is a fighter and he has skills to take party members together,” he noted.