The BJP, after months of factionalism, is slated to elect its Leader of the Opposition on February 26 in the presence of the party’s central observers in Jaipur. The party also proceeded to resolve the issue of nominating district chiefs in 17 districts.
The Leader of the Opposition post has been lying vacant for a year. The BJP failed to have a consensus in appointing the Leader of the Opposition as the rival groups were demanding their own choice for the post.
Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje had quit the post on February 22, 2010 after months of defiance.
The party had asked Ghanshyam Tiwari, the deputy leader in the Assembly, to officiate as Leader of the Opposition. Ms Raje’s loyalists have been insisting to nominate her as the leader or appoint her loyalist as the leader.
“We hope the issue will be resolved amicably on February 26 when central leader Venkaiah Naidu will be in Jaipur,” said a senior BJP leader.
According to sources, former home minister Gulab Chand Kataria emerged as a strong contender with RSS backing for the post but a section of the party was not supporting his name.