After expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh was given bail, a question haunts the corridors of state BJP headquarters - will he be taken back before the Assembly polls IJ But no one seem to have a clear answer.
A senior leader said that the BJP is already supporting Singh and his family. “The party has thrown its weight behind the wife and daughter of the sacked BJP leader. A series of protests were held earlier and the party will stage another protest across the state on August 11. Not for a single minute has the party deserted Dayashankar Singh,” he said.
But when asked pointedly whether the party will take Singh back into the fold, he developed a cold feet. “The issue will be decided by the Central leadership. He was sacked following directives from Central leaders and a call has to be taken by them now,” he said.
“The upper caste is with us. The way party has taken up its `Beti ke samman mein Bhajpa maidan mein’ campaign, we are expecting full support from them. And mind you Dayashankar Singh was vice-president of the party and after his expulsion that post is still vacant. What does this indicate,” he said by way of questioning.
Insiders maintained that Singh will be taken back but no one knows, when. The party feels that if he is taken back now it will give BSP a new issue which can jeopardise the party’s efforts to bring dalits into the BJP fold.
They say recent statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi about protecting life and property of Dalits indicate that the party was trying to extend olive branch to them. The only fear is that Dayashankar’s re-induction should not harm the party’s attempt to build bridge with Dalits, who account for almost 21 per cent of votes in UP.
“Mayawati is on the backfoot. The BJP is playing its cards dexterously. It does not want to concede a self goal at this time,” he said.