The BJP is having to change its policies by the minute on the issue of Ram Jethmalani’s proposed seat in the Rajya Sabha. First a plan was drawn that to bring Jethmalani into Rajya Sabha from U.P., the party would get him the support of — of  its MLAs and the rest of the MLAs would be arranged by Anil Ambani through his contact with Mulayam Singh. Or Jethmalani would traverse the distance on the shoulders of both BJP and SP. But in the recent past, Jethmalani’s Rajya Sabha has changed both its shape and moves and now he wants that he should not have to go from one place to the other for arranging the votes. Therefore, BJP is now working on the option of bringing him to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

Nira Radia, who was in the news both within and outside Parliament, in connection with the 2G spectrum episode, is now in full flow. It should be remembered that Radia used to do PR for big houses like Ambani-Tata. On her name being dragged into the episode and stories about her being printed in the matter, the lady has sued a English newspaper of Delhi (which is owned by a BJP Rajya Sabha member) for crores of rupees. Radia has also filed a multi-million pound case in London against an English news channel (in which Anil Ambani has a big stake) for allegedly playing a tape of her purported conversation with Raja.

The Sangh is quite active about ensuring the return of several rebel leaders to the BJP. The president of the saffron party Nitin Gadkari is also busy giving shape to the plans for these homecomings. So there is a great likelihood that in the first phase Uma Bharti and Jaswant Singh may return to the party. The party high command is also in constant touch with Kalyan Singh. The only hindrance is that Kalyan wants to place some conditions for his return to BJP and the party high command is not prepared for any conditions at the moment.

If something has again started cooking between BJP and Shibu Soren then consider this to be sponsored by the Sangh. While the Sangh leadership is not a big supporter of Soren, but out of compulsion they too understand the utility of Soren. In the Hindi-speaking belt Jharkhand is one State where the Christian missionaries are really
thriving and the pace of conversion is quite rapid here. But Guruji, who is known for his rebellious nature, never quite appreciated this business of the Christian missionaries and he has always opposed these conversions. This is the only thing which brings Soren and Sangh together. So when the Sangh cracked the whip, the saffron party was compelled to take a U-turn. BJP could only say to the Sangh leadership that at least the cross voting should be stopped.

The much-talked about Arushi murder case could again hog the limelight. It has been learnt that the narco test report of the Talwar couple has reached CBI from the Gandhinagar lab. Look at the irony, this narco test report points to new facts against the Talwar couple and while removing the curtains from the role of the servants, gives them the benefit of doubt.

Ever since Sushma Swaraj has taken charge as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, she has been giving guidance to two young MPs on speaking with clarity in the House. One of them is the young MP from Pilibhit Varun Gandhi on whose passionate and maiden speech on the Dantewada incident in Parliament the entire House was left stunned. Varun’s speech even made Sonia Gandhi, who was present in the House, very emotional. And when the next day Varun went to the Central Hall the Congress and CPM MPs were among those who congratulated him. Sushma has also given Godda MP Nishikant Dubey the opportunity to speak on important matters and almost every time Dubey has proved his class and calibre in doing so.

The present term of BCCI is about to end in June and in the meantime the ICC headquarters would also be shifting to Dubai. So Sharad Pawar has cast his eyes and aspirations on Dubai for the time being, where a lot of his old time friends call the shots. So if Pawar would hold important responsibilities in ICC then who else but his daughter Supriya Sule would be the real successor of his place and post? So Pawar’s demand is that Supriya be brought into the Cabinet. To increase her control on the party, Supriya wants to bring new people to the fore. About Praful Patel, her individual opinion is that he is
a mere student of her father. On the other hand Praful Patel has stepped out of the tutelage of Pawar and through Ahmed Patel has got very close to Sonia and now the door of his heart also opens directly in the Congress. Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar is also angry with Supriya and he is with Praful. Or Praful and Ajit can together give a hard time to politically novice Supriya.

BJP is about to organised a big rally against price rise at Ramlila Grounds in Delhi on April 21. To make this rally a success, the saffron party has opened the mouths of its money bags. The Chief Ministers of all the BJP-ruled States have been directed that to ensure the success of this rally they should chip in with their money, manpower and administrative might. The senior leaders of the party want to ensure the presence of between 1 lakh and 1.5 lakh people in this rally. For this the party has taken about 4,000 buses on rent, 140 special trains have been booked, and innumerable cars have been arranged for. Special emphasis is being placed on the neighbouring States of Haryana, Rajasthan, U.P. and Uttarakhand. If the rally does manage to pull the crowds then the saffron party would muster some
courage to take on the ruling Congress.

Advani’s dearest daughter could these days be seen increasing her friendship with the owner of a big travel company. This gentleman was earlier seen going around with the wife of a senior officer of a big corporate house. The love of IPL of this senior officer’s wife is well known. She could be seen in virtually every match. It is even not known how fond of cricket Pratibha is, but she has no match when it comes to playing many games.

Vijay Goel has moved far ahead in the race for Delhi BJP president. With Gadkari’s blessings it seems he has left his nearest rivals Vijay Jolly and Vijender Gupta far behind. Gadkari is clear in his thinking that away from corruption and image, he needs a dynamic leader who could step out of the present political chaos and take the party forward. Gadkari gives the example of the BJP president of West Bengal and points out how there was so much opposition to his name. But he carried out a massive signature campaign in Bengal and proved the mettle of the party and the cadre there. And today even a bandh call by BJP evokes a strong response in Bengal. But Advani is still trying to promote the cause of Jolly and Mehra, and on the other hand Gadkari wants the crown on the head of Vijay Goel.