Suspended BJP leader Bhatt quits party, accuses Modi of dictatorship

Ahmedabad, Sep 6 (UNI) In a move that is likely to spark fresh rebellion, Mr Nalin Bhatt, who had been suspended from the BJP for Indulging in ''anti-party activities'' today resigned from the primary membership of the party in protest against the ''dictatorial functioning'' of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

He also charged BJP state-in charge Om Mathur with ''incompetency'' and ''high-handedness''.

Bhatt, who has emerged as the new face of dissidence in the Gujarat BJP, said Mr Modi has never believed in the concept of collective leadership and has reduced all party workers to mere cheer leaders. ''Party workers do not have a say and are treated as puppets. Mr Modi loves adulation. Are the workers only there to clap for 'Dekho, dekho kaun aaya, Gujarat ka sher aaya'? Are they not supposed to raise issues concerning the common man? The CM never has time to listen to grievances,'' he told reporters here.

He also made it clear that he had nothing against the BJP as such, and said the one-upmanship of Modi and Mathur was the reason behind his fight.

He said he had been associated with Jan Sangh and the BJP for 35 years and had held several party posts and been a minister in the government too.

''I was disappointed that I was suspended even without being given a hearing,'' he rued. He also emphasised that he had no plans to join any other party and carry forward his campaign against both the leaders. ''I feel free today as there is no threat of expulsion or show cause notices hanging over my head. I will fight my own battle.'' Mr Bhatt was suspended last week after he took out a rally against the BJP-ruled Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), criticising it for allegedly mismanaging flood relief and rehabilitation.

UNI MMG MAZ VA VC1650