Stung by criticism from within the party as well as from Opposition Congress, the ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh began dithering over the re-entry of its former MP Pradeep Gandhi who was expelled from both the Lok Sabha and the party following the ‘cash-for-query’ scam.

Just three months ahead of the Assembly polls, the state BJP had quietly rehabilitated Gandhi and made him in-charge of the ‘election control cell’. However, the party apparently took a U-turn within a couple of days and ‘advised’ Gandhi to keep himself aloof from the state BJP headquarters following criticism by a section of party leaders.

“Gandhi has not attended the election cell since Wednesday. As no order was issued for his appointment, the question of removal doesn’t arise. Subhash Rao continues to be the overall in-charge of party headquarters,” said a party spokesman.

State BJP president Vishnu Deo Sai refused to confirm or deny the decision to keep Gandhi away from party activities. Gandhi was unavailable for comment.

BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad had inaugurated the election cell on Sunday. Gandhi, who was also present on the occasion, had thanked the leaders for giving him the responsibility.