Former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel has blamed chief minister Narendra Modi for the "collapse of democratic system" within the BJP.
Keshubhai criticises party high command for not reining in Modi
GANDHINAGAR: Former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel has blamed chief minister Narendra Modi for the "collapse of democratic system" within the BJP.
"His brand of politics is not in the public interest, nor is it in the interest of the party," he said in an exclusive interview to DNA.
Calling himself a "disciplined soldier of the party", Keshubapa ruefully said that the party had weakened under Modi because he had become a larger than life figure. "It is very painful to see the whole party, built over years, being reduced to one individual," he said.
Keshubhai, who is seen as the mentor of the BJP dissidents, said he was "unhappy" with the party primarily because Modi did not know how to function in a democratic manner.
Asked about the outcome of the assembly polls, Keshubhai said that it was evenly poised. He emphasised that it would not be a smooth ride for the BJP because there had been a sharp and steady decline in Modi's popularity. "Just three-four months back, it seemed a one-sided fight with another massive win for the ruling party. But as things stand today, there is a serious challenge," he said, adding: "Things can move in any direction now."
The 78-year-old veteran has categorically said he will not campaign for the BJP. He asserted that he would not offer any "guidance" to the party as long as Modi was at the helm of affairs. "I will not campaign for the party and it's my firm stand," he reiterated.
Asked if he would relent from his position if asked by the central high command, he replied in the negative. However, he ruled out that he would quit the party.
He was critical of the high command, saying it had failed to reign in Modi. He took a dig at Modi's claims on investment. He said there was a huge gap between the claims made by the government and actual investment that had flown into the state.
l_mahesh@dnaindia.net
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