Barmer, Rajasthan: Jaswant Singh, senior BJP leader now rebelling, will visit ancestral temples this morning before filing his nomination papers to contest the general election from Barmer in Rajasthan.
Mr Singh, 76, will have to contest as an Independent candidate since the BJP has chosen a jat leader, Col Sonaram Choudhury, who defected last week from the Congress, as its candidate from Barmer. The party says it is fielding the man more likely to win.
But Jaswant Singh said today that the party had "disrespected the wish of the people of Barmer" by rejecting his appeal that he be allowed to contest what he calls his last election, from his home constituency. "I am only following people's requests, people are urging me to take action." he added.
He has as yet shown no inclination to quit the BJP, putting his party of over three decades in a big quandary. It could be forced to expel him, which is likely to win Mr Singh sympathy at the cost of the party. To give in to Mr Singh's pressure and withdraw Col Choudhary's candidacy will be a big embarrassment in a high-stakes election.
Already, political rivals are targeting the BJP. "The new leadership of the BJP does not know how to value its best talents and finest people," said union minister and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Jaswant Singh has said he is insulted at the suggestion that the party would "adjust" him. "I am not a table, chair or furniture to be adjusted. The remarks smack of arrogance and are very insulting," he said yesterday.
His party colleague Arun Jaitley wrote, "At times, the party may flood leaders with privileges and positions. On other occasions, the leader may have to take "no" as an answer to his desires...He must accept the decision with a smile. This becomes a test of his loyalty and discipline."
On the other side of the party's deep divide that stands exposed are leaders like Sushma Swaraj who said, "I understand that it is not an ordinary decision and there must have been a strong reason for it. But personally, I am hurt by this decision, reason be whatsoever."
Mr Singh, 76, will have to contest as an Independent candidate since the BJP has chosen a jat leader, Col Sonaram Choudhury, who defected last week from the Congress, as its candidate from Barmer. The party says it is fielding the man more likely to win.
But Jaswant Singh said today that the party had "disrespected the wish of the people of Barmer" by rejecting his appeal that he be allowed to contest what he calls his last election, from his home constituency. "I am only following people's requests, people are urging me to take action." he added.
Already, political rivals are targeting the BJP. "The new leadership of the BJP does not know how to value its best talents and finest people," said union minister and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Advertisement
His party colleague Arun Jaitley wrote, "At times, the party may flood leaders with privileges and positions. On other occasions, the leader may have to take "no" as an answer to his desires...He must accept the decision with a smile. This becomes a test of his loyalty and discipline."
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"He's Boss Even After Congress Lost Thrice": Kiren Rijiju Jabs Rahul Gandhi 'X' Handle Of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Sudhakaran Hacked Haryana Polls: Several Rebel BJP, Congress Leaders Withdraw Nominations AAP Asks Its Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal To Quit Over Atishi Remarks AAP's Atishi To Be Delhi's New Chief Minister, Chosen By Arvind Kejriwal "Your Duty...": Chief Justice On Bengal's 'No Night Shift For Women' Note "He's Boss Even After Congress Lost Thrice": Kiren Rijiju Jabs Rahul Gandhi Study Shows How Long Covid Is Debilitating Children's Health Arvind Kejriwal Resigns After Choosing Atishi As His Replacement Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.