Click to play videoNew Delhi: The BJP has made it clear that it will keep senior leader and rebel Keshubhai Patel within the party's fold.
Patel has been vocal about his opposition to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and has been left out of the State Parliamentery Board that will choose the candidates for December assembly polls.
But the BJP insists that he will be involved in its election strategy.
"Please don't treat Keshubhai Patel as part of this dissident group that's negotiating with the Congress. We vehemently deny that he can be associated with the dissidents. The party is in constant dialogue with Keshubhai and will seek his advise on all matters," said BJP spokesperson Arun Jaitley.
Jaitley also said on Monday said that rebels’ move to quit the party will not affect the BJP's performance in the polls.
"People like Suresh Mehta have lost relevance. After having followed an ideology for such a long time, if they now flirt with the Congress, what credibility will they have?," he said, adding BJP will be “unaffected”.
Jaitley, who is on a two-day visit to the state, held meetings with party leaders here to form election strategy, BJP sources added.
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