Cracks in BJP? Maharashtra farmer leader urges RSS to replace PM Modi with Nitin Gadkari

Losing elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have forced few BJP leaders to raise their voice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a huge embarrassment, a prominent Maharashtra farmer leader on Tuesday demanded to replace PM Modi with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, if BJP wishes to win the 2019 general elections.

Notably, the demand has come from a state-government panel, Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavalamban Mission (VNSSM) Chairman Kishore Tiwari, on a day when PM Modi was in Maharashtra to lay foundation stones for Metro Rails in Thane and Pune.

Kishore Tiwari has sent a letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and General Secretary Bhaiyyaji Suresh Joshi, saying that the BJP’s defeat in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh was the direct outcome of “arrogant leaders” who implemented devastating decisions like demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax (GST), fuel prices hike and other anti-people measures.

“Leaders who pursue an extremist and dictatorial attitude in the party and government are dangerous for the society and the country… This has been witnessed before and if history is not to be repeated, hand over the reins to Gadkari for the 2019 polls,” Tiwari wrote.

Tiwari further said that considering the dictatorial approach of Modi and Shah, which has unleashed fear in the country, it was imperative to have an acceptable and gentle leader like Gadkari, who can take along all viewpoints and friendly parties, evolve consensus and remove fear among people.

Tiwari also stated that Gadkari, a staunch BJP-RSS activist since decades, was “adequately qualified” for the top post since he has also headed the BJP as National President, besides ministerial capacities in Maharashtra and now at the Centre.

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