BJP weighing options on action against Arun Shourie

The Bharatiya Janata Party was believed to be weighing options on the action it may take against Arun Shourie who let off a fusillade against the party leadership and virtually dared it to act against him.

Party sources said the course of action against Shourie could be decided against the backdrop of the swift action taken against Jaswant Singh who was expelled last week. "The party has taken note of the utterances of Mr Shourie. It shall be responded to appropriately after discussions," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said in New Delhi.

Party vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi described Shourie's outburst as "unfortunate". Attacking Shourie, he said "the so-called writers are challenging fighters...the party is going through a phase of transition and will emerge stronger after such developments".

Rudy said Shourie was making such comments as BJP had nothing to offer as it was out of power. "This is a bad time for BJP. We have nothing to offer to him," he said, adding "this is the problem with admitting people into the party who are apolitical. They want to have the cake when you are in power."

Asked the reason for Shourie venting his ire, Rudy said "he is a free bird. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is coming to an end. I am sure he is wanting action against himself. He wants to become a martyr. We will make him a martyr."