Following repeated revelations in the media about the corporate malpractices of BJP president Nitin Gadkari, the leadership crisis has deepened within the party especially with Rashtriya Swamsevak Sangh (RSS) distancing itself from corporate charges levelled against him. Now with the RSS keeping a safe distance from the BJP president, it would be a cumbersome task for Gadkari to seek a second term as party president.
Though a formal decision has not been taken in this regard, sources say that second thoughts are being given within the Sangh over extending Gadkari’s tenure.
The BJP top brass also held a meeting late on Friday evening to discuss the corruption charges against him. BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and other party general secretaries were present at the meeting where Gadkari gave his version on the controversy.
Gadkari tried to convince his party leaders that he is innocent. A section of BJP leaders, however, feel the issue here is not just about violation of business and company laws but the growing perception that shell companies with dubious antecedents were investors in his company raise questions of propriety and morality.
But there was a larger view that in the midst of poll campaigns in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat it would be prudent to put the matter in abeyance and not seek resignation of its president.
Earlier, RSS leader Bhayyaji Joshi issued a statement in which he said the Sangh has nothing to do with any of these allegations. With fresh allegations tumbling out, the change in stance of the RSS is visible. Joshi said: ‘In the last few days, the media has been making allegations about certain irregularities in the corporate affairs of some political leaders. These allegations have caused a lot of consternation in the general public.’
Sangh leaders, however, did point out that the allegations against Gadkari have only been levelled by sections of the media and an authorised agency is yet to look into those allegations. ‘That being the situation, it is unfortunate that the discourse on these allegations has turned more and more political,’ Joshi said in his statement.
Though a formal decision has not been taken in this regard, sources say that second thoughts are being given within the Sangh over extending Gadkari’s tenure.
The BJP top brass also held a meeting late on Friday evening to discuss the corruption charges against him. BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and other party general secretaries were present at the meeting where Gadkari gave his version on the controversy.
Gadkari tried to convince his party leaders that he is innocent. A section of BJP leaders, however, feel the issue here is not just about violation of business and company laws but the growing perception that shell companies with dubious antecedents were investors in his company raise questions of propriety and morality.
But there was a larger view that in the midst of poll campaigns in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat it would be prudent to put the matter in abeyance and not seek resignation of its president.
Earlier, RSS leader Bhayyaji Joshi issued a statement in which he said the Sangh has nothing to do with any of these allegations. With fresh allegations tumbling out, the change in stance of the RSS is visible. Joshi said: ‘In the last few days, the media has been making allegations about certain irregularities in the corporate affairs of some political leaders. These allegations have caused a lot of consternation in the general public.’
Sangh leaders, however, did point out that the allegations against Gadkari have only been levelled by sections of the media and an authorised agency is yet to look into those allegations. ‘That being the situation, it is unfortunate that the discourse on these allegations has turned more and more political,’ Joshi said in his statement.