The ire of the dissidents is focused on Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi who is accused of not defending the BJP ministers and instead being hand-in-glove with the JD(U) in the state. Calls for his removal as the BJP's legislative party chief and deputy chief minister have gained ground.
Over a dozen MLAs of the state unit are camping in Delhi with a few others expected to join them tomorrow. "We have asked for time from Advaniji and we expect to get a hearing," said a dissident MLA.
Party sources too confirm that the MLAs' woes have been noted by party leaders and a formula is being worked out. "Actually, the problem is that there is no one to replace Sushil Modi. Nand Kishore Yadav is from a community which is loyal to the RJD, while there are more people who will threaten to leave the party if Ashwini Choubey is given the responsibility," said a senior office-bearer of the party.
Certain formulae for redressing the grievances of the state unit are being worked out. One formula looks at retaining Modi as the deputy chief minister of Bihar but replacing him as the BJP legislative body chief. Another formula is about an informal test of strength of MLAs supporting and opposing Modi. "The central leadership also realises that the situation cannot be allowed to continue for long," said the office-bearer.
Party general secretary Arun Jaitley had met senior leader L K Advani on the matter a couple of days ago.
