Rajnath projects Vasundhara as CM candidate

Jaipur, Dec 8 (UNI) Opting for a neutral and balanced approach on the ongoing dissidence in the BJP Rajasthan unit, party president Rajnath Singh today projected Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate for next Assembly elections but asked her to win the confidence of all groups in the party.

Addressing a rally here on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of installation of the BJP government in Rajasthan, Mr Singh highlighed the state government's achievements and sought people's vote for Ms Raje's return to power in the next elections.

Mr Singh said the Raje Government had hastened the development process in the state which was admired at different fora at the national level, including the Congress Chief headed Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

However, in an apparent move to defend a group of dissident leaders who were exerting pressure on the High Command to effect change in the leadership of the party state unit, Mr Singh urged Ms Raje to work taking all sections of the party into confidence.

The BJP Chief said he was sure that the Chief Minister would lead a united BJP to new heights along with all groups in the party.

The party General Secretary and in-charge of Rajasthan unit Gopinath Munde also hailed Ms Raje's leadership.

Prior to this, while participating in a private function in Behror town of Alwar district earlier this week, Mr Singh had categorically stated that Ms Raje would lead the BJP in the next assembly election in Rajasthan.

UNI