Modi has his way as Joshi quits ahead of BJP national meet

Party chief Nitin Gadkari, who had brought Joshi back into the executive, announced the end of a "small controversy" and declared that he and the Gujarat strongman will work together to strengthen the party, setting the stage for deliberations in the executive.

Modi announced in Udaipur that he will go to Mumbai in the afternoon for the meeting of the executive, which will pave the way for giving another term to Gadkari as Party President.

Gadkari said with the end of this row, he and Modi will work "shoulder to shoulder" to strengthen the organisation in the changed political scenario.

The BJP chief also praised Joshi for showing "large heart" in resigning from the executive in the interest of the organisation to "end" any controversy.

"Joshi has in a letter to me has said that he is resigning in the interest of the party," the BJP President said projecting a picture of unity in the organisation at a time when it is planning a major agitation against UPA government over petrol price hike.

There were apprehensions that the absence of Modi could cast a shadow over the meet which is expected to pave the way for a second three year for Gadkari as BJP chief.

The conclave is the first major gathering of the party top brass ahead of assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, the two party-ruled states, scheduled by year-end.

Modi had not attended the last meeting of the National Executive held in Delhi in September apparently peeved over the induction of Joshi into Uttar Pradesh election campaign by Gadkari. He had also not campaigned in the UP polls. MORE