Bhopal: Rakesh Singh, an MP from Jabalpur, assumed the charge of BJP state president, on Wednesday. The swearing-in function of Singh witnessed absence of several leaders, who were in the race for the top post.
It is reported that public relations minister Narottam Mishra, national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, Lal Singh Arya, who were major contenders for the post, along with top leaders like Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Thawarchand Gehlot, Prabhat Jha and Prahlad Patel were not present in the swearing-in ceremony. Most of the state Cabinet members were also not present. It is also reported that Singh’s appointment as state BJP president has created resentment among leaders who were aspiring for the post.
Senior party leaders were expecting appointment of an experienced person, considering upcoming assembly elections. Singh’s appointment has come as a surprise for all. Singh’s name was finalised on Sunday during Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit to Delhi. Organisational general secretary Ramlal had come to Bhopal onTuesday to take state leaders into confidence and Singh’s name was officially announced from New Delhi on Wednesday.
Singh, after assuming the charge, said the outgoing state president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan was keen to step down from the top post for some time. Singh said there is no problem in working as the BJP has workers-oriented structure. He said the party workers should gear up to ensure victory for the BJP in the state in 2018 elections.
Singh further said the present executive body will continue to function. Election management committee formed to appease disappointed leaders, Tomar given command The election management committee formed to appease senior leaders, who are disappointed with appointment of Rakesh Singh, has also been announced. Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar has been appointed as convener of the committee.
The committee also has state minister Narottam Mishra as co-convener, Lal Singh Arya and Phaggan Singh Kulaste. Its members include Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state president Rakesh Singh, organization general secretary Suhas Bhagat along with Thawarchand Gehlot, Prabhat Jha, KailashVijayvargiya, Bhupendra Singh, Nandkumar Singh Chouhan, Rajendra Shukla, Prahlad Patel and Maya Singh. The committee has been formed keeping in mind the caste equations. The committee will also take decisions related to management in elections.