Delhi Election 2015: BJP member targets Bedi, quits only to make U-turn

NEW DELHI: In a major embarrassment to BJP, its campaign committee member, Narendra Tandon, resigned from the party on Monday morning. In his resignation letter, Tandon cited BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi’s ‘dictatorial’ attitude as the reason behind his decision. But after meeting BJP chief Amit Shah, he withdrew his resignation.
While Tandon claims he was in-charge of Bedi’s poll campaign, Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay denied this.“He was part of the campaign committee and had nothing to do with Bediji’s campaign. I have accepted his resignation,” Upadhyay had said.
In his letter, Tandon said it had become “difficult to work with Bedi” because of her “dictatorial attitude”. He also said her staff insulted him several times. “I was coordinating Bediji’s rallies and sabhas. There were some issues which have been settled. Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhanji spoke to me and made me meet Amit Shahji. Now, there is no problem. I’ll work for the party,” Tandon said.
BJP members had claimed his exit would not impact poll preparations. But this has definitely caused some embarrassment. The state unit was not even informed about his meeting with Amit Shah and decision to withdraw his resignation. “He must have met senior members and apologized,’’ said Satish Upadhyay, who was unaware of the development.
Soon after Tandon gave his resignation, party members were quick to attack him. “His past record is not very impressive. He had filed his nomination against BJP’s Rajni Abbi in 2013,” said a spokesperson.
This incident has again highlighted the problems in the state cadre. Sources say Tandon will not be part of the campaign committee and will get some other responsibility.