In a significant development in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being embroiled in an internal “war of position” regarding the choice of its prime ministerial candidate. This statement follows Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s recent revelation that he was offered the role of Prime Minister by an unnamed opposition leader, which he reportedly declined.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Jha attributed this internal conflict to the BJP’s current precarious position in the Lok Sabha. The party, which is struggling to reach the majority mark of 272 seats, relies heavily on coalition partners like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]. Jha suggested that the BJP’s recent actions and choices reflect this internal strife.
“There is a war of position going on in the BJP, and you will be able to see its results in the coming few months. Did the BJP choose PM Modi as its leader this time? Check the timeline; NDA had chosen,” Jha asserted.
Nitin Gadkari’s claim of being offered the prime ministerial position was made public in a recent statement. Gadkari, however, did not disclose the identity of the senior leader who approached him but made it clear that he had rejected the offer. According to Gadkari, the offer was not aligned with his personal convictions or organizational loyalty.
“I do not want to name anyone, but a person said to me, if you are going to become a Prime Minister, we will support you. I said, why you should support me, and why I should take your support. To become a Prime Minister is not the aim in my life. I am loyal to my conviction and organisation and I am not going to compromise for any post because my conviction is most important to me. I think that this conviction is the biggest strength of Indian democracy,” Gadkari stated.
The revelation has sparked reactions from various opposition figures, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi weighing in on the matter. Chaturvedi criticized Gadkari’s claims, suggesting that they were part of a strategic play to signal his ambitions and send a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Nitin Gadkari ji is expressing his heartfelt desire to be on the top chair, using the excuse of opposition parties he is sending a message to Modiji. The INDIA alliance has very capable leaders who can lead the country, wouldn’t want to borrow one from BJP. Well played Nitin ji,” Chaturvedi remarked on social media platform X.
As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, the implications of these developments could play a crucial role in shaping the strategies and alliances leading up to the general elections.