Dissent in BJP over Bedi's possible projection as CM

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 19 2015 | 5:10 PM IST
Kiran Bedi's sudden entry into BJP and her possible projection as its chief ministerial candidate is meeting with dissent within the party with its West Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, saying she is just a worker as of now and that the "best option" would be to project Narendra Modi as the party's face in the campaign.
Sources in the party said a number of senior Delhi BJP leaders were also not happy over the way Bedi has been projecting herself as the chief ministerial choice just four days after her induction into the party.
"She has joined the party. She is like a party worker and she should be taken that way, " Tiwari told reporters.
He had earlier said a 'thanedaar' or policeman was not welcome but later clarified that the remarks were not aimed at Bedi.
Another senior Delhi BJP leader Jagdish Mukhi, who is known to have chief ministerial ambition, said a decision on whether to project a candidate for the top post or announce the name after the polls will be taken by the leadership.
"BJP's central leadership always takes the decision. It is in their purview to decided who shall be the chief minister candidate or whether the party will have a CM face or not," he said when asked about the issue.
The MP said the party leadership will take a call on the chief ministerial candidate and that Bedi was not BJP's candidate for the post for now.
"The strategy of the party in elections in Haryana, Jharkhand and Maharashtra has been that the country has chosen Modi ji for five years and expectations of people will only be fulfilled if the same party rules in Centre as well as in states," he said, adding "Chalo chalein Modi ke sath" would be the best option for the party.
Sources said a number of Delhi BJP leaders were unhappy over the way Bedi has been projecting herself as BJP's CM candidate since she was inducted into the party on Thursday.
They said a number of party MPs were also upset the way Bedi asked them to join her for tea yesterday to discuss the party's election strategy.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 19 2015 | 5:10 PM IST

Next Story