Infighting in BJP over Nandi's induction

Allahabad, Mar 13: Angry protests were on Thursday surfaced at

office with a section of party's local unit demanding that the issue of possible induction of an expelled

leader into the party fold should be addressed.

The BJP supporters were livid over the fact that former Uttar Pradesh minister Nandgopal Gupta (Nandi) has been spreading the word that he was in touch with the BJP's top leadership. He (Gupta) reclaimed that they were impressed with his ability to generate funds and his influence among the traders' community, the BJP supporters claimed.

However, BJP city unit president Shashi Varshney tried to pacify the agitated party workers saying no decision has been taken with regard to the induction of Gupta.

Gupta and his wife Abhilasha who is currently the city mayor, were expelled from BSP earlier this week for anti-party activity.

There have been reports that Gupta has been trying to gain an entry into the BJP which is expected to revive its strength in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Many BJP supporters have been opposed to the move as Gupta had begun his political career by defeating BJP heavyweight Kesrinath Tripathy in 2007 assembly polls.

During his stint as cabinet minister, he was accused of victimising the businessmen in his Allahabad south constituency.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered against more than 30 activists of the BJP youth wing -- Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha -- in view of the Model Code of Conduct at the George Town police station yesterday, who had staged a demonstration in protest against the possible induction of the expelled BSP leader.

PTI