Fearing a crossover to the Congress, the ruling party high command is trying to pacify them
BJP’s troubles are far from over. After it placated deputy CM Nitin Patel by giving him heavier portfolios, as many as 10 to 15 MLAs have been pressurising CM and other BJP leaders for a plum position in the government, and the BJP has been trying hard to keep the flock together as the party has gained power in the state by a thin margin.
The disgruntled MLAs include CK Raulji from Godhara, Madhu Shrivastav from Vaghodia, Yogesh Patel and Jitu Sukhadiya from Vadodara, Zankhana Patel from Choryasi, Purnesh Modi from Surat, Jetha Bharwad from Shehra, and others. The list is increasing as the party is trying to placate them.
These MLAs, either by a phone calls or in a meeting with the CM expressed their disappointment and demanded the posting. However, the MLAs denied when they were asked on the same.
CK Raulji said, “I have not put any demand. My meeting with the CM and Deputy CM was for the formality only and I had gone to give them complements. People took it adversely.”
Madhu Shrivastav also rejected the claims and said, “I have no expectation to be on plum position. I will work that my party assigns me.”
Those who have been accommodated in cabinet are also not happy with the portfolios. The minister of state for fisheries Parshottam Solanki also boycotted the cabinet meeting and expressed hais dismay for not getting an important department. The CM, however, placated him by assuring to give better portfolios in next reshuffle, but he also threw challenge that if solution would not come in two months, he would prove his importance. Minister of state for home Pradipsinh Jadeja is also not happy as he was not elevated to the rank of a cabinet level from state level. The chief whip of BJP in Assembly Pankaj Desai also is not satisfied with the position as he wanted to become the minister, said a party leader.
Those who have lost in polls but are believed to be senior leaders also have been pressurising government to make their political appointments in government owned bodies.
A senior minister in Gujarat government said on condition of anonymity, “This is very tough situation for us to run the government. People come with such demands that we cannot cater as rules bind us. This never happened in past as we had strong majority in house, but this is totally a different situation. If some of the MLAs cross the line, situation can be tougher for party to retain power in state. We have been trying to satisfy most of our leaders.”
DISGRUNTLED
- These MLAs, either via phone calls or in a meeting with the CM, expressed their disappointment and demanded for more important positions.However, the MLAs denied when they were asked if they had.
- Minister of state for fisheries Parshottam Solanki also boycotted the cabinet meeting because he was unhappy with his portfolio
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 "CK Raulji; Madhu Shrivastav; and Yogesh Patel")
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