Crisis of existence for BJP: Pachauri

Bhopal, May 1 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Personnel and Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachauri today said the countdown has begun for the BJP after the formation of a new party by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti.

''The process of fragmentation has begun in the BJP, which faces a crisis of existence,'' Mr Pachauri told reporters here.

He said the presence of Ms Bharti's new party on the political scene will benefit the Congress, which has been discharging its role without conflict due to its organisational structure and unity.

On postponing the date for Budhni assembly bypoll, he said it was true that the Congress had complained to the Election Commission (EC) about the violation of the model code of conduct.

However, the EC was a constitutional body and had taken the decision on the basis of report of inquiry by its officer.

He said Budhni had emerged as a national issue due to this action.

More UNI AG-PS SK DS1402