Cornered by his own party members, State BJP president Tala Marandi on Wednesday proposed to resign from his post following protests against his selection of team members for the State Working Committee. The party, however, has asked Marandi to continue discharging his duties as State president till August 23, till a new person could be chosen for the post, said senior BJP leaders.
"He (Tala Marandi) has offered his resignation to the High Command on moral grounds. The central leadership will take a final call on his fate," said BJP leader Ganesh Mishra, who offered juice to party workers on hunger-strike to break their fast outside the State BJP office.
Marandi, along with CM Raghubar Das, was summoned to Delhi following protests by party workers after formation of State Working Committee. Also, his recent remarks over the ruling BJP government's policy on CNT and SPT Acts were unwelcomed at both State and central levels.
After reaching Delhi late on Tuesday evening, Marandi met State in-charge TS Rawat and General Secretary (Org) Ram lal, where he offered his resignation on moral grounds, sources said. An aide, close to Marandi, also confirmed that he had put in his papers but was asked to continue till August 23. Marandi has also requested for an appointment with national president Amit Shah, he said.
After offering his resignation, Marandi reiterated his stand on CNT and SPT Acts and said his view would remain unchanged for the tribal population of the State, added the source. Going against the Government line, Tala Marandi had said in Dumka that there was no need to make changes in the tenancy laws in the State.
"Party has focus on Santhal Pargana and when Tala Marandi is resigning the Central leaders have to find a suitable face to replace him. In such circumstances three names are doing the rounds in the party - louis Marandi, Sunil Soren and lakshman Gilua. The decision is likely beforeAugust 23," said a senior party leader requesting anonymity.
Marandi was in the midst of controversy soon after he became State BJP chief in March this year as his son's marriage with an alleged minor was flashed in news media. Another girl has also alleged that Marandi's son had sexually exploited her for two years promising to marry her.
On August 7, Marandi announced the list of new Working Committee members, which didn't include party seniors and workers, who have been serving the party since several years. Sources said that no senior leader, including former CM Arjun Munda was consulted by Marandi before announcement of the list. Munda's wife Meera Munda, who had been named as Vice president in the list also resigned soon after she saw her name in the list. Meera's resignation followed 5-6 other resignations and denials and protests outside the State BJP office.