RJD leader Manoj Jha has suggested that a “war of position” is brewing within the ruling BJP over the prime ministerial post. His comments came in response to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s claim that he was offered the role of Prime Minister by an opposition leader ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Jha attributed this internal conflict to the BJP’s reliance on coalition partners like the TDP and JD(U), implying the party may struggle to reach the majority mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha. “There is a war of position going on in the BJP, and you will see its results in the coming months. Did the BJP choose PM Modi this time? Check the timeline, it was the NDA,” Jha told ANI.
Gadkari’s Revelation
Gadkari recently claimed that he was approached by a senior opposition leader who offered him support for the Prime Minister’s post. While he declined to name the person, Gadkari firmly rejected the offer, stating that becoming Prime Minister was not his ambition. “I am loyal to my conviction and organisation, and I won’t compromise for any post,” Gadkari said.
Shiv Sena’s Reaction
Gadkari’s comments have stirred reactions from opposition parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked that Gadkari’s statement was a subtle way of expressing his aspirations for the top role, but added that the opposition alliance has capable leaders of its own. “Well played, Nitin ji,” she wrote on X, indicating that the opposition did not need to “borrow” leadership from the BJP.