Gujarat minister withdraws resignation

GANDHINAGAR, Sept 15 (UNI) — The crisis in the six-month-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat apparently blew over today with Mr Suresh Mehta announcing his continuation as industry minister.

"The party has commanded me to continue with my responsibilities and I will stay as industry minister’’, Mr Mehta told waiting reporters at the Chief Minister’s residence after an hour-long meeting this evening. Also present at the meeting were BJP national Vice-President K.L. Sharma, Union Minister Kashiram Rana and senior leader Keshubhai Patel.

Mr Mehta’s announcement came at the culmination of hectic day-long political activity which began with Mr Sharma’s arrival here this morning at the directive of party chief Kushabhau Thakre.

Earlier, state BJP chief Rajendrasinh Rana admitted to reporters that the incident had "adversely affected’’ the BJP.

Asked if any disciplinary measures would be taken against Mr Mehta, he said "it is too early to say anything about it, but we will all sit together and decide’’. He said efforts were being made to ensure that the issue was resolved amicably.

BJP Vice-President Kishan Lal Sharma, deputed by the leadership to undertake the fire-fighting operation following Mehta’s resignation yesterday protesting the killing of Jadeja and alleged police "inaction’’ to nab the killers, held an hour-long meeting of top state party functionaries.

Replying to a question, he said action would be taken against persons responsible for the murder of Jadeja in Mehta’s home district of Kutch.

Mehta’s resignation came in the backdrop of reports that he was being increasingly cornered by hardliners in the BJP and he had reservations about the Chief Minister’s style of functioning.