Bhopal: The speculations over replacing state BJP president came to a halt with MP from Jabalpur constituency and Lok Sabha chief whip, Rakesh Singh assuming the charge on Wednesday. Singh’s name emerged amidst disagreement between union and state leaders on any other name. Singh’s name was finally approved by all leaders.
Although, central leadership wanted public relations minister Narottam Mishra to be appointed as state BJP president. BJP national president Amit Shah too had given green signal on Mishra’s appointment. National organisational general secretary Ramlal had also approved Mishra’s appointment.
Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar did not agree on Mishra’s name and wanted home minister Bhupendra Singh to be appointed as state BJP chief. Central leadership of the party did not agree on Singh’s name. Amidst this, Tomar proposed the name of Rakesh Singh and all leaders including Chouhan agreed on his name. As Bhupendra Singh is uncle of Rakesh Singh, the former tried to build consensus on Rakesh Singh’s name.
Rakesh Singh became Shah’s favourite for his active functioning at the Centre for a long time. His name was finally approved after a discussion between Chouhan and Shah on Sunday. The party also expects that Singh’s appointment may disappoint some leaders and hence, election management committee has been constituted. An attempt has been made to balance the equations by mostly including powerful leaders in the committee.
Nandkumar was not removed for defeat in by-polls, said CM indirectly
Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during swearing-in function of Rakesh Singh, said Nandkumar Singh did quite a good work as state BJP president. By stating that BJP performed well in last four by-polls, Chouhan apparently hinted indirectly that the defeat in four by-elections has nothing to do with Nandkumar’s removal. Chouhan also said that the party would continue to avail Nandkumar’s services. Nandkumar Singh Chouhan said he tried his best to work for the party. He said the party will now win upcoming elections with Rakesh Singh as state president.
Driver is changed if he doesn’t drive properly: Joshi
Former chief minister Kailash Joshi, giving a different statement than the other BJP leaders, said if a vehicle is all right but the driver is not good then the latter is replaced. Joshi said central leadership of the party developed consensus on Singh’s name. Refusing to comment on Joshi’s remark, BJP state general secretary VD Sharma said that Joshi is a senior leader and no comments can be made on his statement.
Attempt to woo voters of Mahakaushal region
The appointment of Rakesh Singh, is also an attempt to woo the voters of Mahakaushal region. Singh has his influence in Jabalpur, Seoni and Narsinghpur districts. The BJP got significant lead in the Assembly elections of 2013 from Mahakaushal and Malwa-Nimar region. That is why, the party is again focusing on these areas.