Panaji:
The pilot of an Indigo flight from Delhi to Goa today had more than just "welcome aboard" to say to some of his passengers. He wished them luck with finding good stories in Goa.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Captain at Indigo, is also general secretary of the BJP. He flew his plane into Dabolim today with several journalists, including this correspondent, on board. All headed, pilot included, to Marriott in Panaji, the venue of the BJP's two-day conclave this weekend to discuss strategy for elections in five states soon and the national elections after that. (
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Deep conflict within the party over leadership and a promotion for
Narendra Modi has already made Goa a happy hunting ground for "stories".
Party veteran LK Advani, who heads a faction in the party against Mr Modi, called in sick for an important meeting of BJP office-bearers today.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj was in Goa by early afternoon, but did not arrive for the meeting scheduled at 3 pm, delaying it. She was reportedly upset because Mr Advani's advice on how to fashion election committees is being ignored.
BJP chief Rajnath Singh was kept busy issuing denials and placating party colleagues.
And the actual meeting has not even begun. Captain Rudy's wishes were clearly not misplaced.