After re-inducting Uma Bharti, the BJP is now eyeing former BJP leader Kalyan Singh.
The BJP feels that Mr Singh’s return to the party-fold will serve as a catalyst for the revival of the BJP in UP.
Sources said that BJP president Nitin Gadkari was keen to bring back Mr Singh even though some other senior leaders, including Rajnath Singh, were opposed to the idea.
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ccording to a senior BJP leader, feelers have already been sent to Mr Kalyan Singh and though the veteran leader was said to be unwilling, the BJP high-command is confident of persuading him to return. Meetings with the veteran leader are likely during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
“Kalyan Singh’s main concern is to establish his son, Rajvir Singh, in politics before he calls it a day. He floated his own Jan Kranti Party last year but has failed to make any impact. The BJP will not only give him the position and respect he deserves and will also ensure prominence for his son. Our emissaries have asked him to consider the options before taking a decision,” said a senior party leader. The leader further said that the field in UP was absolutely clear for Mr Kalyan Singh since all his adversaries (Rajnath Singh, Lalji Tandon) had moved to national politics.
“Besides, Mr Singh shares a warm personal rapport with Uma Bharti and together, the two can help the BJP regain its lost glory in UP by bringing back OBC votes in a big way. State BJP president Surya Pratap Shahi is also a Kalyan Singh acolyte. The present scenario, inside and outside the BJP, is perfect for the veteran leader to make a political comeback,” the leader added.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalyan Singh, according to sources, is not too enthused with the idea of a second return to the BJP.