I am in BJP and will work for party: Rakesh Pandey

Putting all the rumors of rebellion aside, BJP leader Rakesh Pandey one of the claimants of Vaishali Nagar Assembly constituency, called on senior leaders of the organisation and put forth his view.

He, along with his sister and party national general secretary Saroj Pandey arrived at the BJP divisional office, Ekatma Parisar, on Thursday.

They called on BJP co-organisational secretary Saudan Singh, National general secretary and Chhattisgarh party in-charge Anil Jain, and state party secretary Pawan Sai.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Rakesh Pandey said, “I spoke to Saudan Singh, Anil Jain and Pawan Sai. I placed my point of view before them. I wanted to talk about the recent situation. It is an internal matter of the party.”

Pandey further said, “There is no issue of ire. The party has its own process, where the candidates are selected, and in that my name was also included. The party conducted its own survey for information, and also discussed the matter with party workers, asked them about their choice of candidate. Apparently party workers chose me, but the decision of choosing a candidate remains with the party.”

He said that the party could take its decision in "anyway." And that although the party's theme was "party with a difference," it "had to maintain traditions."

He said that the issue of dynastic politics came up in the meeting and "allegations of family lineage" were charged at him.

“It can be taken in anyway. The party goes with the theme of a party with a difference and that traditions should be maintained. One prominent issue was family lineage and one point of allegation was raised against me was the family relationship," he said.

He said that he has been a prty worker for the last 30 years, and would continue to be so. “I have faith that the BJP would come to power once more, led by Chief Minister Raman Singh on the basis of 15 years of developmental works undertaken.”

Avoiding to answer which queries he had raised before party and what was the reply, he said, “The question remains but till the final reply is received, the question would maintain status quo.”

Recently, hundreds of party workers staged a demonstration in front of the BJP office demanding party ticket for Pandey from Vaishali Nagar after dropping sitting MLA Vidyaratan Bhasin. However, Bhasin has been retained by the BJP as its candidate.