Bangalore(DC) :Simmering discontent has surfaced in the state unit of BJP though the leaders are doing everything to ensure that the rally scheduled to be addressed by Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi here on November 17 boosts the morale of party workers.
Several former ministers are upset that former deputy chief minister R Ashok, who was entrusted with the task of organizing the rally, has set out to derive mileage rather than coordinate with various committees constituted by the state unit.
He was reportedly told to share responsibility with other former ministers but has ignored most of them resulting in discontent among the second-rung leaders, sources in the state unit of BJP told.
The sources said the leaders were of the opinion that Ashok was doing everything merely to further his interests and trusted his supporters instead of involving former ministers Aravinda Limbavali, Suresh Kumar and C.T.Ravi.
The sources lamented the fact that Ashok relied on Bangalore(rural) unit president Muniraju, City unit president Subbanna and former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu and even chaired frequent meetings with these leaders on preparations for the rally.
Much to the chagrin of several former ministers, Ashok and his wife performed pooja at Palace Grounds, the venue of the rally, on Friday.
“Ashok is trying to gain political mileage, and does not want to discuss with Aravinda Limbavali and Suresh Kumar. More surprisingly, former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu is often seen with Mr Ashok these days”, rued one leader.
Former chief minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda is among those upset with Ashoks style of functioning, the leader added.