Click to play videoNew Delhi: The BJP is grappling with unique problem these days. The party is finding it hard to articulate its views on economic issues in the Budget Session for former finance ministers Jaswant Singh and Yashwant Sinha and the formulator of the party's economic agenda, Arun Shourie, are not showing up at the party forum after a spat with the top leadership post polls.
From the deserts of Rajasthan to the cool climate of Darjeeling hills - Jaswant Singh's political journey has moved many miles. Within the BJP though, it's a journey in reverse gear.
Till before the elections, Jaswant Singh was the party's face on all economic matters since he had been the finance minister during the NDA years. Now, despite the BJP searching for ways to take on the UPA's Budget, Jaswant Singh has gone missing and party leaders are making excuses for him.
"He has gone to his village," says senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.
There was a time when Jaswant Singh was a pillar of the BJP but now he is questioning all decisions being taken within the party.
The elevation of Arun Jaitly as the leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha was the final straw. Jaswant Singh was also upset at being denied the seat of his choice in the Lok Sabha - he wanted to occupy the place of Atal Bihari Vajpayee but his wish was rejected by the party.
Joining Jaswant Singh in the rebellion were two other economists - Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie. They are refusing to be a part of any BJP response on the Budget.
With all veteran economists preferring to be out of action, it is the likes of Murli Manohar Joshi and Venkaiah Naidu who are now holding fort on economic matters.
An effective Opposition is critical to the functioning of a democracy. Unfortunately for the BJP, the battle within has now started affecting its performance in Parliament.
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