The disagreement over a new State party president in Jharkhand and subsequent issues raised by some leaders seem to be proving detrimental to harmony in the State BJP. Senior leaders are forced to take steps that may not prove fruitful for the party in the long run.
While the Central BJP is yet to take a final call on the State BJP chief, former Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Saturday is learnt to have sent his resignation from the post of leader of legislative body of the State BJP. Sources revealed that Munda had sent his resignation to the party president on Friday itself.
Though Munda was not available for comment, sources close to him revealed that the former CM was extremely upset with issues concerning backward/forward castes and tribal/non-tribal persons raised by some senior leaders.
“Mundaji was unhappy with the caste-based statements being given by some leaders on the issue of new party president. He believes making such comments or even thinking like that is against the ideology of BJP,” said an insider.
Party insiders suggested that Munda’s step was also a strong signal for partymen to be prepared for tendering their resignation from the Assembly if needed. “This move clearly portrays that he (Arjun Munda) doesn’t have any lust for power. By resigning from the post, he has sent a clear message to MlAs. They should be ready to put in their papers the moment the Central BJP directs them. This way, they can best oppose the President’s Rule,” said a senior leader.
“As for Munda, he will always remain a leader — whether or not he holds a post in State BJP,” the leader added.
Incumbent State BJP president Dineshananda Goswami, who is on a religious tour to Allahabad to attend Kumbh Mela, was apparently clueless. “I am not aware of anything as I have come down to Allahabad. Please talk to someone in Ranchi,” Goswami said.
According to sources, there is a tough fight going on between two leaders — Raghuwar Das and Ravindra Roy — for the post of State party president, and the bickering is taking a toll on the moral of party workers as well.