'Next 70 hours will be crucial for BJP'

Speculations are rife in Delhi's political circles that Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party chief Natin Gadkari will succeed Rajnath Singh as the next party president.

"Senior leaders of the BJP, including L K Advani, elected Gadkari (for the BJP president's post)," a source told rediff.com.

Many party leaders feel that Gadkari has the ability to revive the party during this time of crisis. "The next 70 hours are going to be crucial," said the source.

However, a close aide of Advani told rediff.com that no one knew the details about the discussions that had transpired between the top leaders of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

"We are aware that some people are publicising their own name. But it is not clear if a final decision has been taken about the matter," he said.