May contest BJP presidential poll, says Mahesh Jethmalani

New Delhi/Mumbai  :  With Nitin Gadkari expected to get another term as BJP president, party member Mahesh Jethmalani Monday indicated he may put up a token fight by deciding to contest for the post.

“If I decide to put up a token fight, I may stand,” Jethmalani told reporters.

Jethmalani resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national executive in November last year against Gadkari’s continuation as the party chief in the wake of allegations of financial wrongdoing by investor firms in Purti Group linked to him.

His father Ram Jethmalani also then spoke against Gadkari’s continuation and questioned some other decisions of the party leading to his suspension.

Asked if he had spoken to any senior BJP leaders about contesting for the party’s top job, Mahesh Jethmalani said he was an ordinary worker.

The BJP Sunday issued the notification for the party president’s elections, fixing for Jan 23 the filing of nominations. The result would be declared the same day if the election is unanimous. But if there is a contest, the date of polling will be announced.

Party sources said Gadkari was likely to get another term as no other contender has emerged for the post.

The BJP president has traditionally been elected without a contest.

The party has already given a clean chit to Gadkari on the alleged wrongdoings in investments in Purti Group, based on the probe done by S. Gurumurhty, a financial analyst considered close to the Rashriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).