The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which had backed the return of Nitin Gadkari for a second term as BJP president, buckled under pressure on Tuesday and opted for its other “blue-eyed boy” Rajnath Singh.
In a day of hectic developments, Mr Gadkari finally gave in and backed Rajnath Singh’s candidature. There was also unanimity in the RSS on Mr Singh, who was party president from 2005 to 2009. With the income-tax authorities launching field enquiries against some firms promoted by him, Mr Gadkari decided to quit. “I do not wish this should in any way adversely affect the interests of the BJP. I have therefore decided not to seek a second term as president of the BJP,” a statement issued by him read.
Only 24 hours back it appeared that Mr Gadkari, with the total support of RSS boss Mohan Bhagwat, was all set for a straight second term. But with the tax department launching field enquiries at nine locations in Mumbai that belong to alleged shell companies of Mr Gadkari’s Purti group on the eve of the party presidential election, things started changing rapidly.
It was senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha who had earlier demanded Mr Gadkari’s resignation after the corruption charges played the role of a game-changer. With the tacit backing of L.K. Advani, Mr Sinha indicated that he was willing to contest against Mr Gadkari on Wednesday. That move delivered a body blow to Mr Gadkari, who was huddled with the RSS brass, including Mr Bhagwat in Mumbai. Sources said it was Mr Advani who virtually masterminded Mr Gadkari’s fall and outwitted the RSS.
In New Delhi, top BJP leaders including Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, M. Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar and Ram Lal, party general secretary, met to discuss the issue. By 7 pm the RSS leadership and Mr Gadkari were informed that “it will not be feasible for the BJP to target the Congress on issues of corruption if Gadkari was given a second term”.