GADKARI LIKELY TO GET 2ND TERM AS BJP CHIEF
Speculation on Nitin Gadkari’s continuance as BJP chief will end on January 23. On Sunday, the party issued a notification that it will elect its next chief that day.
Mr Gadkari, whose term may be extended at the RSS’ insistence, is expected to file his nomination on January 23. The notification said the result will be declared the same day and if there’s a contest the polling date will be announced that day. With no consensus on his successor, Mr Gadkari may get a second term despite allegations of graft.
BJP president Nitin Gadkari is certain for another term after no consensus emerged over Sushma Swaraj, whose name was forwarded by senior party leader L.K. Advani.
According to the party sources, BJP top brass remained divided on Ms Swaraj, and even she herself was unwilling. Mr Advani, it is learnt, has now agreed to Mr Gadkari’s continuance.
Mr Gadkari and Mr Advani are likely to share a dais on Tuesday at a function organised by a RSS think tank in Mumbai. On Monday, Mr Gadkari will attend a party function in Lucknow with Rajnath Singh where he is expected to induct former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh's outfit in the NDA fold.
The name of senior leader Rajnath Singh was also suggested to succeed Mr Gadkari, however, the RSS leadership in particular RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, is in favour of Mr Gadkari's continuance.
The sources disclosed that though there were speculations that Narendra Modi’s name was also suggested, the Gujarat Chief Minister himself is not interested in becoming party president. He, however, is expected to play an important role in the election management at the central level.