Governor sacking prelude to Modi dismissal: Advani

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani said the replacement of governors of four states by the central government was unfortunate and at least in Gujarat, it appeared as if replacing the governor was a step towards eventually dismissing the state government.

Speaking at a function in Gandhinagar on Sunday, Advani said the BJP will not compromise on its stand on the tainted ministers issue and will continue to raise it when parliament session begins on Monday.

He accused the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre of adopting double standards on the issue of dialogue with Pakistan.

While on one hand the government says it will continue talks and peace initiatives of the previous NDA government, it is also drifting from the country's stated stand.

MPs from Gujarat met Advani and chalked out plans on how various pending issues should be resolved with the new central government.

Advani also met all senior leaders of the state, including state unit president Rajendrasinh Rana, Surat MP Kashiram Rana, Suresh Mehta and chief mInister Narendra Modi to discuss the political situation arising out of the anti-Modi campaign.

It is learnt that Advani had a long meeting with former chief minister Keshubhai Patel bid to iron out dissidence that has come to the fore in the state unit of the BJP.

Another crucial issue that was discussed during Advani's visit was the post of the new state party president. It is learnt that a few names were discussed at the Mumbai BJP national executive meeting.

BJP sources said party president Venkaiah Naidu is also likely to visit Gujarat soon. Naidu will discuss organisational matters with partymen.

Later in the evening, a felicitation function was also organised by the Ahmedabad city unit of the BJP in the Shahibaug area.