On the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 36th foundation day on Wednesday, party chief Amit Shah addressed a function organised by its Delhi unit. But hundreds of BJP workers had arrived in Delhi from around the country to also congratulate out-of-favour party leader Sanjay Joshi.
In fact, there appeared to be more party workers queued up outside Joshi's North Avenue flat to wish him on his 54th birthday than at any of the other events to mark the party's foundation day. Joshi, a one-time rival of Narendra Modi in Gujarat, continues to be popular among the BJP rank and file.
Some of those who had come from outside Delhi to wish Joshi took the opportunity to visit the party's national headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road. However, they returned disappointed as there were no signs of celebration at the party headquarters.
Neither was any senior leader present there. Several BJP members were heard saying that Joshi's was the only door among those of party leaders always open for workers.
In fact, there appeared to be more party workers queued up outside Joshi's North Avenue flat to wish him on his 54th birthday than at any of the other events to mark the party's foundation day. Joshi, a one-time rival of Narendra Modi in Gujarat, continues to be popular among the BJP rank and file.
Some of those who had come from outside Delhi to wish Joshi took the opportunity to visit the party's national headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road. However, they returned disappointed as there were no signs of celebration at the party headquarters.
Neither was any senior leader present there. Several BJP members were heard saying that Joshi's was the only door among those of party leaders always open for workers.