Party at arm’s length, Joshi looks to VHP

Systematically excluded from most strategy sessions by his party over a long time, Union Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi is busy holding his own set of strategy sessions. Not with BJP colleagues, but with VHP leaders. The purpose: to devise a common strategy to fight the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Therefore, VHP working president Ashok Singhal called on Joshi at his house today. Parishad president Vishnu Hari Dalmia was among the callers yesterday. Both are Joshi’s co-accused in the case. Sources disclosed that a key question before them is whether to move the high court jointly or separately for a stay on the Rae Bareli special court decision to frame charges against seven of the eight accused on Oct 10. Joshi was closeted with his lawyers most of the time.

Telugu Desam leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee spoke to him on the telephone, while Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala came visiting.