The BJP’s high over a nationwide Modi wave came in for a reality check, after the party got into trouble following internal tussle over denial of ticket to stalwart Jaswant Singh, who is all set to contest as an independent from Barmer in Rajasthan, and the induction of controversial Pramod Muthalik in the Karnataka unit, a decision that was reversed within hours after the top leadership was left red-faced.
As BJP leader Sushma Swaraj expressed “pain” over the denial of ticket to Jaswant, the fresh controversies threatened to turn matters worse for the party. It had managed to get out of a spot of bother only two days ago after seniormost leader L K Advani was upset over his choice of Bhopal to contest the Lok Sabha polls being rejected. He later relented to fight from Gandhinagar for which he was named by the BJP.
Amritsar candidate and Rajya Sabha leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley, considered close to party PM candidate Narendra Modi and party president Rajnath Singh, wrote on his blog on Sunday that senior leaders should accept the party’s “no” with a smile after having enjoyed privileges and positions in the past.
“At times, the party may flood leaders with privileges and positions. On other occasions, the leader may have to take “no” as an answer. How does a politician or a leader react to such a “no”? He must accept the decision with a smile. This becomes a test of his loyalty and discipline,” Jaswant said.
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