Gujarat dissisents remain absent in BJP meeting

Bhopal, Sep 21 (UNI) The three-day BJP national executive meet, which got underway here today, was conspicuous by the absence of prominent ''dissident'' faces from Gujarat including senior party leaders Keshubhai Patel, Suresh Mehta and former Union Minister Keshubhai Rana.

Most party leaders parried questions on this matter. On being asked Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi refused to comment on the issue.

BJP National Executive member Haren Mehta, a leader from Gujarat, said Mr Patel was busy in organising a religious programme.

He said the meeting would continue for three days. These leaders could come at any time.

Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here that these leaders could arrive anytime.

UNI