New Delhi:
Expressing resentment over the appointment of BJP's new Jharkhand chief, senior party leader Yashwant Sinha today threatened to quit and made his intentions clear before the party's top brass.
Sources said Mr Sinha vented his anger over the appointment of Ravindra Rai as the party's Jharkhand unit chief during a meeting of top party leaders including LK Advani and Sushma Swaraj this morning He said, "There is a great deal of resentment within the party over Rai's investment".
While Mr Sinha was not available for comments, sources close to him said he has not quit, but is keeping "all options open".
After Mr Sinha's outburst today, BJP President Rajnath Singh sought to placate him and called him up. He has sought to discuss the matter with Mr Sinha on his return from Kolkata.
Mr Rai, who belongs to the camp of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Arjun Munda, was appointed as the state's new party chief yesterday by Rajnath Singh.
Mr Sinha had suggested the name of Raghubar Das, a former state party chief, but the party leadership ignored his recommendation.
The appointment of Mr Rai, who replaced Dineshanand Goswami, came within a day of former chief minister Arjun Munda resigning from the post of state legislative party leader.
Sources said the party was hopeful of assuaging Mr Sinha and sorting out differences within the party in Jharkhand which may go to polls within the next six months. Jharkhand is currently under President's Rule.