Jaipur:
Nitin Gadkari's first challenge as BJP President seems to be the infighting that continues in its Rajasthan unit. Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje has managed to get the BJP leadership to put off a contentious election for the state party chief's post that was supposed to take place on Thursday. It seems for the BJP, Raje still remain the most viable option in Rajasthan.
Vasundhra Raje met Gadkari on Wednesday and complained that there were irregularities in the election process. Her name was missing from the list of party workers who were to vote and the list was doctored. The BJP in response deferred the poll.
"The party has decided to defer the election till the second week of February. A core committee will work out plan to hold election," said BJP leader, Arun Jaitley.
The BJP top brass had little choice. Vasundhra's faction was threatening to field a candidate against the official choice and call her supporters in a show of strength in Jaipur, and the RSS keen on going ahead with polls.
Wednesday night atmosphere at the BJP headquarters was tense. Vasundhra sat in one room, her rivals in another. Nitin Gadkari in his own room. The BJP in a huddle, barred the media. Leaders trying to broker a deal, shuttled between the rooms. Finally Vasundhara had her way. Now with Rajnath out of the chair, Vasundhra's faction wants the resignation issue to be buried.