RSS-backed Gadkari appears to be frontrunner for BJP chief

21 Jan 2013 Evaluate

BJP president Nitin Gadkari appears to be frontrunner for a second term, for the post of the President in the party with a strong Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) backing, even as big names like Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and senior leader Sushma Swaraj could have been considered.

RSS has endorsed Gadkari despite him facing corruption charges and at a stage where the BJP looks to compete with the Congress, as the party would not want to lose RSS's support. However, Narendra Modi, who recently registered a huge victory in Gujarat, is not interested in managing the party's affairs at this stage, though looking for a national level role for himself. Even as senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's name was in the dispute, happier with her present position of Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Earlier on Monday, Mahesh Jethmalani, who resigned from the BJP National Executive in 2012 over charges against Gadkari, also threatened to contest against Gadkari. Meanwhile, a leader of the RSS, Suresh Soni, is also said to be opposed to Nitin Gadkari's candidature and will be holding talks with party veteran LK Advani in the capital.

On Jan 20, the BJP had issued the notification for the presidential election and Gadkari will file his nomination papers by January 23. The RSS has rallied around Gadkari for the post and want him to be re-nominated.

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