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Kalyan rules out change of guard in State BJP
BJP VICE-PRESIDENT and former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh, today ruled out any possibility of change in leadership in Uttar Pradesh and claimed that the party had decided that it would never go in for a coalition or poll alliance with any party in future, as former experiences in this regard had not been beneficial for the party.
BJP VICE-PRESIDENT and former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh, today ruled out any possibility of change in leadership in Uttar Pradesh and claimed that the party had decided that it would never go in for a coalition or poll alliance with any party in future, as former experiences in this regard had not been beneficial for the party.
He reiterated that the BJP had neither dropped the Ram Janmbhoomi issue from its agenda, nor would it do so in future, as the party was committed to the construction of a grand temple at that very site.
He underlined the need for negotiations and discussions for temple construction, otherwise the BJP would pave the way for the construction through legislation whenever it comes to power with majority at the Centre. Those favouring the temple construction were ‘nationalist’ while those opposing it were ‘communal’ and it was his simple definition, he said.
Wishing Lalji Tandon a happy birthday at a function organised at the State BJP Office here on Tuesday, Kalyan Singh ‘advised’ mediapersons not to go by ‘rumours’ that State party president Keshari Nath Tripathi was being replaced.
There was no such move at any level and Tripathi would continue as party chief in the state, he said. “I am saying it with full authority as national vice-president of the BJP and after having discussed the issue with Lal Krishna Advani.”
He said the BJP suffered losses when it went to the polls tying up with Ajit Singh in western Uttar Pradesh and again when it formed the Government with Mayawati twice. Such mistakes would not be repeated, as the party could gain absolutely majority on its own.
State BJP president Keshari Nath Tripathi also wished Tandon on the occasion and praised his concern about the poor and the downtrodden. Tripathi said as Housing Minister, Tandon’s top priority was to provide accommodation to people belonging to weaker sections of society.
He praised Tandon’s role in over-all development of the State, particularly Lucknow, and highlighted contributions in strengthening the party.
An emotional Tandon thanked all for organising his birthday and deeply regretted the death of 21 women at his last birthday celebration. He, however, strongly condemned those politicized even tragedies and dubbed it an ‘accident’, for which nobody could be held responsible.
He quoted various ‘accidents’ like that of drowning of hundreds of people in the Narmada and killing of Amarnath pilgrims by terrorists and asked whether people should stop taking a bath in the Narmda or discontinue the Amarnath Yatra because of such tragedies?
Tandon said that his birthday celebrations were always organised by party workers and followers, as he believed in service and tried to take up a social cause on this day.
