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UP CM confident of regaining BJP's glory

Sharat Pradhan in Lucknow

I will bring back the Bharatiya Janata Party's glory of 1991," declared Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ram Prakash Gupta here yesterday.

Gupta was in high spirits after receiving the party high command's nod to continue.

The chief minister, whose continuance was debated from the day he was picked up from political oblivion nine months back, will stay on till the assembly elections, about 20 months away.

Even as he denied reports of a "conspiracy" to dislodge him, he did not hesitate to admit to newspersons, "Yes, there was some talk about replacing me. But as there was no consensus on a successor, I continue."

He also admitted that repeated talk of change of guard in Lucknow was to a large extent responsible for political instability. However, he declined to blame the party's central leadership. "I have no grudge against the high command," he said, adding, "after all, I have only been following instructions."

He confessed, "The administration under any government is bound to be adversely affected if the question of change of leadership is raised every now and then."

Gupta went on to clarify, "Now, my immediate priority is to handle the election of heads of district panchayats later this month; and I am confident of taking the BJP tally ahead."

He said, "Apart from toning up the administration, on top of my agenda is strengthening of the party and I see no reason why I will not achieve my goal.''

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