Though Water Resource Minister Narottam Patel and Chairman of municipal finance board Fakirbhai Chauhan too are echoing Rana's demands, Naik reiterated his stand by pointing out that the ``erring police officers'' had already been placed under suspension. No action should be taken against Sharma until the judicial enquiry is complete, he said, while expressing satisfaction over the action taken by the government. ``Though we too had demanded Sharma's transfer earlier, we now endorse the government's decision,'' he added. When asked about the reasons for the difference of opinions on the issue, Naik said, ``You should ask Rana, Narottam Patel and Fakir Chauhan for it. I don't know why they want his suspension''.

Interestingly, when contacted, Rana claimed that even Naik wanted Sharma's suspension. ``All BJP leaders of Surat are united on this issue,'' he announced.

The rift, however, became clear when the party's city secretary Kanubhai Joshi seconded Naik's views by saying that no action was required against Sharma as the government had already suspended the two IPS officers: Additional Police Commissioner Vipul Vijoy and DCP Manoj Aggrawal. ``The government does not want to shield Sharma. But if he is found guilty, the government will not spare him,'' he added.

But senior councillor Bakula Patel minced no words when he held Sharma responsible for the incident. ``At the same time, we must recognise that he has been successful in improving the city's law and order situation,'' he added.

However, Limbayat councillor Deraj Nimje -- who was suspended for his ``anti-party activities'' -- blamed BJP councillor Dr Ravindra Patil and BJP bigwig C R Patil for the happening. ``The police opened fire only after C R Patil asked the police to do so,'' he alleged.

Incidentally, Patil has lodged an FIR against Nimje accusing him and his son for burning his car and dispensary. But according to Nimje, he was not on the spot when the Patil's car was torched. ``Even the police can vouch for it,'' he claimed.