Me? T.N. Governor? asks Shekhawat

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, JULY 7. The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, is not amused by reports of his being considered by his party as the next Governor of Tamil Nadu. Engaged in efforts to reactivate the BJP in the State after the setback it received in the 1998 Assembly elections, Mr. Shekhawat finds no charm in the gubernatorial offer - that is, if there is any.

``Me? Governor ?'' has been his initial reaction when this correspondent contacted him. Mr. Shekhawat conceded that he was flooded with such queries both from the media and from the partymen after reports - mostly originating from Chennai - of his being considered as the new Governor.

Mr. Shekhawat knows why he is being considered for the post even when he denies that the Central leadership had approached him with the offer. He was the first among the BJP leaders to cultivate good relationship with Ms. Jayalalithaa when he was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Ever since his name came up more than once for the post of Governor. However, Mr. Shekhawat may not be quick to seize the offer. First, he is in no hurry to oblige the party leadership to find a solution to the present imbroglio in Tamil Nadu, especially when he is feeling neglected by the Central leadership.

Secondly, Mr. Shekhawat, being a shrewd politician, wonders whether the party wants to make him do the hatchet job. As he has no major stake in the issue, he may not like to take up the job.

Considerations back home, such as the issue of party leadership in Rajasthan, too would make Mr. Shekhawat think twice before agreeing to take up the post. Mr. Shekhawat continues to be the most popular BJP leader in the State.

Barring a few loyalists, many of the BJP leaders in the State would be only too happy to pack him off to far South, but the veteran of many battles is not likely to oblige them. However, a final picture would emerge only after July 10 when discussions are scheduled in Delhi in this connection.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Next     : Sinha faulted for UTI crisis