Rajnath invokes Vajpayee, hopes to win in Lucknow

Facing large-scale resentment within his party over selection of Lok Sabha nominees from Uttar Pradesh, including his own candidature, BJP president Rajnath Singh on Wednesday invoked former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in an attempt to have a smooth sailing in Lucknow constituency.

Rajnath Singh also sought to dispel speculations that the party may have second thoughts over Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister in case the party forms the next government at the Centre after the polls.

Singh said he will carry 

forward the “legacy” of Vajpayee and will try to fulfill the wishes of the former prime minister.

During his interaction with reporters here, Singh harped on the Vajpayee’s projects in a bid to drive home the message that he was there as his representative and termed Vajpayee the “topmost leader in BJP”. The party president referred to the river linking project and sought to link it with Gomti river, the lifeline of Lucknow.

The BJP chief made clear   the party’s stand on Modi. “Narendra Modiji is our PM candidate. There is no dispute on it,” the party president  said.
Demands resignation

Singh demanded resignation of the Akhilesh Yadav government in the wake of the Supreme Court’s stinging observation on the Muzaffarnagar riots. “Those who always harp on Gujarat riots, should now resign after the highest court’s observations,” he said.

The BJP chief, during his visit to the state capital, sought to pacify sulking leaders and workers and held a meeting with senior office bearers. He also attended a get together at Tandon’s house to signal that all was well between him and Tandon.

Incidentally, Tandon has been made in-charge of Singh’s campaign in Lucknow. “The decision to field me from Lucknow was taken by the central election committee. Tandon had also asked me to contest from here,” Rajnath said.

He said that those denied ticket will be adjusted according to their capability.

Singh, who hails from UP, finds himself in the firing line with angry leaders holding him responsible for the poor LS nominee selection. Singh’s effigy had been burnt by BJP workers at many places in protest against the selection of LS nominees.