Further talks to pursuade Marandi fail

Ranchi, May 19 (UNI) The last ditch effort to pacify BJP national vice-president Babulal Marandi today ended in smoke with the latter turning down the party's request to withdraw his resignation.

Three Rajya Sabha members - former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, Mr Devdas Apte and Mr Ajay Maru had an informal meeting with the BJP leader at Nemotand in Hazaribag.

After the meeting, Mr Marandi said he was talking of his resignation only after puting in his paper and the question of retraction did not arise.

On the other hand, in-charge of Jharkhand affairs Sumitra Mahajan rushed to Ranchi to have an on-the-spot understanding of the turmoil.

Ms Mahajan had discussion with the Chief Minister on the situation and was scheduled to return to New Delhi by this evening with her report. She also discussed with various party leaders here to prepare her report.

A party insider said, based on her report, the high command was likely to announce the next move.

In the state capital, hectic parleys, closed door meetings today continued in the Jharkhand BJP with arrival of more central leaders assigned to keep the morale of confused partry cadres up following the crisis triggered by Mr Marandi's resignation.

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