Narendra Modi brings out rift in Delhi BJP

The rift in Delhi BJP came out in open at its meeting of state executive with city unit president Vijay Goel rebuffing senior leader Vijender Gupta`s attempt to bring a resolution to congratulate Modi.

New Delhi: The rift in Delhi BJP came out in open on Tuesday at its meeting of state executive with city unit president Vijay Goel rebuffing senior leader Vijender Gupta`s attempt to bring a resolution to congratulate Narendra Modi on becoming the head of BJP`s election campaign committee. Gupta, a former president of Delhi BJP, wanted to present a resolution at the state executive but Goel, who was presiding the meeting, did not allow him to do so saying there was no need for it.

Sources close to Gupta said he was agitated over the incident as he felt Goel did not extend him "due courtesies" while rejecting the resolution. "A large number of state executive members were in support of passing a resolution congratulating Modi but Goel did not allow it," said a senior Delhi BJP leader. Asked about the issue, Goel said there was no need for bringing a proposal to congratulate Modi as he has already been "felicitated" by the party. "I rejected the move as only the President can bring such a proposal. Moreover, what was the need for it? The whole party and the country have congratulated him. He has been appointed by the national executive of the party. Then what was the need for a resolution?" Goel told PTI. Two months back, Goel had created a flutter with his remark that the next government at the Centre will be formed under LK Advani`s leadership. The statement had come amid growing clamour in BJP for projecting Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. A number of senior Delhi BJP leaders,including Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Arti Mehra and Vani Tripathi attended the meeting briefly. PTI