A section of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh is preparing for revolt if former leader Kalyan Singh is brought back into the party even as another section is working overtime to ensure his return.
Though Mr Kalyan Singh continues to rule out the possibility of his return to his parent party and even terms the BJP as a “dead snake”, but BJP insiders say that party president Nitin Gadkari is keen to bring back the veteran leader and revive the BJP in UP.
Mr Kalyan Singh had disclosed last week that three emissaries from BJP — Surya Pratap Shahi, Sanjay Joshi and Yogi Adityanath — had met him on behalf of the party high command but he had refused their invitation to return to the BJP.
“If Kalyan Singh is brought back into the BJP for the third time, it will not longer be possible for us to remain in the party. He has violated party discipline from time to time and had made highly derogatory remarks against our leaders. How can we be expected to work under his leadership? If he is so indispensable, the party high command can take him to Delhi,” said a BJP MLA from Lucknow.
If the MLA is to be believed, at least a dozen BJP legislators in UP are prepared to quit the party if Kalyan Singh is brought back.
The Rajnath loyalists, in particular, are upset with the party high command’s efforts to bring Kalyan Singh on board.
A leader belonging to this faction said, “Kalyan Singh has always spoken ill of Rajnath Singh and we should not be expected to work under his guidance if he returns to the BJP. In any case, he has lost credibility by moving in an out of parties at the drop of a hat and his coming, going or staying away will not make any difference.”
Meanwhile, another faction that has been pleading for a post poll alliance with the BSP in UP if no party gets a majority, is also opposing Kalyan Singh’s return.
Mr Kalyan Singh has always been opposed to any alliance with the BSP. In 1995, he made his displeasure clear over the BJP’s decision to support Mayawati government and in 1997, he again opposed the alliance with BSP.
“If Kalyan Singh is brought back, he will try to scuttle a post-poll alliance with the BSP and Ms Mayawati, too, is not very favorably inclined towards him,” said a senior leader.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalyan Singh reiterated his decision of staying out of BJP. “I have my own Jan Kranti Party and we are finalizing all candidates. Why should I ever return to a party that has humiliated me again and again?” he asked.