Homecoming: BJP selects Jethmalani

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had his way when it came to securing a Rajya Sabha berth for Ram Jethmalani.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had his way when it came to securing a Rajya Sabha berth for Ram Jethmalani. Ignoring the reservations of several top leaders,BJP chief Nitin Gadkari on Sunday announced that the veteran lawyer would be the partys official candidate from Rajasthan,paving the way for his re-entry into the BJP.

Jethmalani would be one of the two candidates of the BJP from Rajasthan,the other being two-time Lok Sabha MP V P Singh whose name was announced on Friday. Now that Jethmalani has been given a party ticket,it is presumed that he will become a member of the party, a senior BJP functionary told The Indian Express.

The senior lawyer had knocked on the doors of the BJP for an entry into its fold and another stint in the Upper House. His demand had not many takers in Delhi,but Modi backed him strongly. The BJP top brass toyed with the idea of backing him as an independent but Gadkari finally decided to give him a party ticket surprising many leaders.

Jethmalani is appearing for Modi in a case related to the post-Godhra riots. Many leaders felt the maverick lawyers unpredictable nature could pose problems for the BJP in the future. On his party,Jethmalani told The Indian Express that he does not agree with all the policies of the BJP but wants this opportunity to fight corruption.

PTI quoted him as saying,I am formally back in BJP though the party has always been in my spirit. I am back with blessings from Atal Bihari (Vajyapee) who is my political hero and statesman.

Gadkari also announced former MP Ajay Maroo would be partys nominee from Jharkhand. Many in the party see little chance for Maroo since the NDA is eight short of the required strength to get its nominee elected from Jharkhand.