Rajnath elected leader amid new optimism

By P. K. Roy

LUCKNOW, OCT. 25. The Union Surface Transport Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, who was asked yesterday by the BJP central leadership to replace Mr. Ram Prakash Gupta as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, would be sworn in on October 28. Mr. Singh, who had set his sights on the office for long but faced resistance from the State seniors, was unanimously elected the leader of the BJP legislature party this morning, after Mr. Gupta called on the Governor and submitted his resignation.

The atmosphere at the Janata Darshan hall at 5, Kalidas Marg, official residence of the Chief Minister, was one of new expectation from the young leader. Effusive references were made to Mr. Singh's leadership qualities. This at a time when the BJP in the State was on the downslide and the Opposition was preparing to strike, once Uttaranchal formation reduced the Government to a wafer thin majority.

Mr. Gupta, who formally proposed the name of Mr. Rajnath Singh, made it clear he was finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the call of the office, owing to age and ill-health despite his achievements. ``I had repeatedly told to the central leadership of my predicament and asked it relieve me of the heavy burden.'' The challenges ahead would be tougher for the BJP in the State and called for a younger and dynamic leadership, he said. He was confident that Mr. Rajnath Singh would fit the bill.

Then followed speeches by the other leaders, mostly Cabinet Ministers, including the State BJP chief and one-time contender, Mr. Kalraj Mishra, who expressed their unequivocal support to Mr. Singh. All of them agreed that the present time was a difficult hour for the party in U.P. The challenges were stupendous and called for a leadership which Mr. Singh could provide. The party was united now in its resolve to arrest the downslide, they said.

The legislators did not allow the Education Minister, Dr. Nepal Singh, to continue with his effusive speech and raised hands in support of Mr. Gupta's proposal in favour of Mr. Rajnath Singh. The central observer, Mr. Narendra Modi, declared him unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature Party.

Thanking the party seniors, particularly Mr. Gupta, Mr. Rajnath Singh termed the changeover a democratic process. He

expressed confidence in securing guidance of Mr. Gupta, Mr. Mishra, Mr. Om Prakash Singh, Irrigation Minister, and others. Mr. Singh recalled his association with Mr. Gupta during the days of Emergency when both were lodged in jail. After reading his horoscope, Mr. Gupta had predicted a great political future for Mr. Singh. ``Perhaps he knew I would succeed him.''

Some 6 or 7 months ago, Mr. Gupta told him that a younger man like him (Mr. Singh) should have been saddled with Chief Ministership. During the last one month, he reiterated this several times. He said Mr. Gupta was the most experienced Chief Minister of U.P. and indirectly referred to his role in the BJP victory in the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. Amidst applause, Mr. Singh declared that the BJP, after the next Assembly election, would elect a leader for Chief Minister at the same venue.

Mr. Singh then drove to the Raj Bhavan accompanied by Mr. Gupta, Mr. Mishra, Mr. Narendra Modi, senior Cabinet ministers and leaders of the allies. Mr. Gupta, who was asked by the Governor, Mr. Suraj Bhan, to continue until a government took office, presented to him a copy of the legislature party's resolution electing Mr. Rajnath Singh the new leader. The leaders conveyed their support to Mr. Singh in writing. ``Our support is for a stable government led by the BJP. And change of leadership is the BJP's internal matter.''

They said there were media reports of the LCP leader and Energy Minister, Mr. Naresh Agarwal, conspiring with the Opposition to topple the BJP government after the formation of Uttaranchal and becoming Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Singh exuded confidence that numbers would be no problem for his government and it would complete its full term. There was no question of early Assembly elections. To a question he said the allies posed no danger to the Government. The composition of his ministry, Mr. Singh said, would be decided in consultation with Mr. Gupta, the State BJP chief, senior party leaders and leaders of the allies.

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