The Hindu : Katiyar appointment may sharpen BJP-SP war of words

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 25, 2002

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Katiyar appointment may sharpen BJP-SP war of words

By J.P. Shukla

LUCKNOW June 24. The BJP MP, Vinay Katiyar's appointment as president of the party's Uttar Pradesh unit is likely to sharpen the war of words between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, which has elected Mohd Azam Khan, a fire-brand leader, to head its legislature group. Mr. Khan has been associated with the Babri Masjid Action Committee and is known for raising the passions of the minority community.

The relationship between the BJP and the alliance Government headed by Mayawati could face problems in the face of the blunt talks of Mr. Katiyar. The Samajwadi Party is making all attempts to provoke the Muslim MLAs of the BSP to revolt against the decision of Ms. Mayawati to form an alliance with the ``communal BJP''.

The Chief Minister, in her defence, has cited the past records of her Government when she had refused to be pressured by the Hindutva forces. Mr. Katiyar may now leave little space to Ms. Mayawati for political manoeuvrability.

The quartet of Rajnath Singh, Kalraj Mishra, Om Prakash Singh and Lalji Tandon had been taking important decisions till now.

Mr. Katiyar would now be able to break this ``monopoly of the four''. He is expected to weaken the influence of Om Prakash Singh as he represents the same Kurmi caste. The appointment may herald a new chapter in BJP politics in yet another sense — giving the party a younger look.

Important positions in the organisation were, so far, being held by old leaders who were considered by many as ``outdated''. Mr. Katiyar has his own team of admirers belonging to the new generation and they may help him revamp the organisation.

One section feels that those who matter in the party not take him seriously because of his age and temperament.

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Katiyar appointment may sharpen BJP-SP war of words