This is the second time in three months that the dissidents have taken a stand against Kalyan Singh's leadership. In April, about two dozen MLAs had gone to Delhi and met L K Advani, A B Vajpayee, Thakre and other leaders with their demand for a change in the state leadership.

Of the 42 MLAs, three are from Aligarh district and nine are Dalits. At least 20 are said to be Thakurs. They say they oppose Kalyan's ``autocratic'' style.

Addressing BJP workers here before going on to attend the state executive meeting, Thakre saidhe had come to review the performance of the government as he had received some complaints and appealed to party workers ``to help the government''.