Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Nov 21: Taking serious exception to controversy and infighting within the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the protocol issue, the party High Command has asked the State leadership to maintain its status quo for the time being and don’t make public statements over the issue henceforth besides resolving the issue amicably.
According to sources, BJP High Command while taking serious exception to reports of infighting among the State leadership over the issue, which has projected a bad image of the party among the masses, has swung into action and asked the State leaders not to make any public statement over the issue as it will affect the BJP’s image which is known as a disciplined and cadre based party.
Sources said that the High Command has asked both Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and Speaker Kavinder Gupta not to make the protocol a prestige issue and belittle themselves in the public as same has not augur well with the masses. The directions were issued to both to resolve the issue immediately, sources added.
Sources said the High Command has asked both Speaker as well as Deputy CM to remain mum and what ever decision has to be taken on the protocol issue will be taken unitedly by taking all stakeholders on board.
Sources said the open war on the issue of protocol and public statements made by the BJP senior leaders has evoked a lot of public resentment also. Perturbed over the public resentment, some senior Party leaders had taken up the issue with High Command also seeking its immediate intervention in the matter.
Sources said that High Command has also termed the controversy created over the issue “unwarranted and unnecessary” which was not required. The High Command has also urged the State leadership that instead of raking up controversy over the issue the leadership should devote more time in public service and refurbish the party’s image among the masses.
Meanwhile, sources said some BJP leaders in the State supporting the change in protocol have pursued the Speaker to give up his rigid stand on the issue which he wasn’t going to budge. They wanted the Speaker to allow implementation of new protocol in the interest of the party. The Speaker has made it clear to these leaders that there can’t be any change in the protocol of Chairman of Upper House or Speaker of Legislative Assembly.
Sources said that the BJP leaders who are opposed to change in protocol are of the view that it will send a wrong precedence in the State and strengthen those forces who are demanding the revocation of Central laws. But the faction, which supports the change in protocol was of the view that such a step will make the position of BJP as well Jammu strong if the Deputy CM is given position number two in protocol.
Sources said the protocol was formed by the Central Government meticulously and every thing has been taken care of in it. The proper care has been taken about the seniority of ministers and it has been stated that in the two Cabinet ministers one who has taken oath first will be the senior in protocol.
Sources said how the State Government can determine the seniority of Union Ministers and Judges of Supreme Court while making a change in the protocol and for making any change in the same it is mandatory to take Union Home Ministry into confidence and State Government can’t do it unilaterally.
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