Modi detractor Sanjay Joshi in Gujarat

He visited Vadodara, Bharuch, Narmada and Kaira districts of Central Gujarat and met some bereaved families, and also workers of RSS and BJP.

The RSS functionary, however, maintained there was no political motive behind his visit.

Joshi said "I visited Rajpipla (headquarter of Narmada district) and met BJP MP Mansukh Vasava, who lost his mother recently and condoled her death.

"I also met Ghanhyam Patel, Chairman of Narmada Sugar Mills Ltd, at Rajpipla following a death in his family."

Then he went to Bharuch to meet another acquaintance who has lost a family member. From there, he came to the city to meet BJP leader Jitendra Rai, who met with an accident recently.

From Vadodara, Joshi went to Kheda in Kaira district to meet Chunibhai Bariya, a former President of local unit of BJP who lost his wife recently.

BJP leader Rai said "Joshiji met party workers and inquired about their health and well being."

Joshi evaded reply when asked if would play an active role during the Assembly poll in Gujarat. He also declined to comment on political situation in the state, where election is due by December.

A few months ago, Joshi was forced to resign from BJP National Executive and later from the party, apparently at the behest of Modi. Later posters in support of Joshi had surfaced in several cities of Gujarat and also at places like Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow.

BJP had fared badly in 2007 Assembly poll in Central Gujarat, where it won only 22 out of the 49 seats as compared to 42 in 2002 election.