BJP loss: BC Khanduri axed as Uttarakhand CM

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand has resigned because of his party's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. It's the first and it would seem only impact of rebellion that followed the BJP's election defeat.

Senior leaders of the party who wrote angry letters to the leadership have been let off with a warning.

On Sunday the BJP top brass told party workers to unite and on Tuesday the party top leaders were back battling for the spoils of a loss. This time for the Uttarakhand CM's job.

The party lost all five Lok Sabha seats in the hill state. Top leaders accepted the demands of rebels held Chief Minister BC Khanduri responsible for the loss and made him step down from the party leader's post in the Assembly.

"Khanduri accepted moral responsibility and tendered his resignation," said Rajnath Singh, President, BJP.

Now, it's open war over who will replace Khanduri. Rebel B S Koshiyari has the backing of Rajnath and the RSS. If he fails, Koshiyari will back Prakash Pant.

The Advani faction wants a fresh face and is backing Ramesh Pokhariyal.

Race for Uttarakhand CM

• Koshiyari backed by Rajnath, RSS
• Koshiyari to back Prakash Pant
• Advani faction backing Ramesh Pokhariyal

A bitter Khanduri pushed to the wall by Koshiyari blames rebels for the party's dismal showing and prepares to block his archrival for succeeding him.

"As a rule rebels should never be rewarded," said B C Khanduri, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand.

Is it all over for Khanduri or is there a twist to the tale. Khanduri is yet to send his resignation to the Governor.

Some in the BJP feel Khanduri plans to remain in the race and may try to prove that he has the support of most MLAs.

While his rivals will try to seal the deal for Koshiyari whose win will mean a setback for the Advani faction that will keep the issue of accountability for the Lok Sabha loss alive.

So, when BJP MLAs meet in Delhi on Wednesday to elect a new leader it will be a battle for Uttarakhand but a war for BJP's control.