Munde throws hat in the ring

The central leadership of BJP is under pressure to repeat the Rajasthan pattern, where Vasundhara Raje was brought back to lead the party, to pave the way for the appointment of deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde as Maharashtra president.

Supporters want Munde reinstated to ensure there is no parallel power centre in the state. However, till late Monday evening BJP national president Rajnath Singh was opposed to this. He is keen on continuing with Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Any move to bring Munde back would signal the end of Gadkari control over the state unit. Gadkari supporters are working overtime to make sure Mungantiwar is retained. They are not only opposed to Munde but are also unwilling to accept a neutral candidate, Devendra Fadnavis.

Senior BJP leaders said, "After a loss of face in New Delhi, Gadkari has to assert himself in state to show he still calls the shots in Maharashtra."

Mungantiwar, who also belongs to Vidarbha, was handpicked by Gadkari three years ago.

Supporters have urged the central leadership to consider Munde to ensure effective control of the organisation ahead of the 2014 assembly and parliamentary elections. Rajnath and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitely have reservations, while leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, senior leader Venkaiah Naidu and Gujarat CM Narendra Modi are all for Munde.

In its petition to the central leadership, the Munde camp said: "In the prevailing political situation in the state, Munde is the most effective leader who can not only bring all opposition parties on a common platform but also give a tough fight to Congress-NCP."

The Gadkari camp argued, "The state unit should look for a neutral candidate acceptable to all factions. Munde should not be considered as there were reports of his shifting to Congress."

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