Dark cloud over BJP's silver lining

Mumbai: Leadership issues, internal strife and the recent sting operation that exposed corruption at the highest levels. As the BJP turns 25, there are more dark clouds than silver linings casting their shadow over the celebrations taking place in Mumbai.

According to exclusive information available with CNN-IBN, the party admits in the resolution (to be accepted at the end of this session), that infighting and indiscipline has hurt its image.

Looking at the future, the party resolution will also state that the growth of the party depends on the future growth of the NDA. This hints at a possible toning down of the Hindutva line.

The plenary session marking the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the BJP has begun and the party has some very serious thinking to do.

The National Executive promises to be a retrospective where the party leaders will look back at the rise of the party over the past 25 years.

They will also chart out a forward-looking plan for the party shorn by internal crises and leadership issues.

The final decision on the L K Advani's successor as the party president is likely to dominate the proceedings and the states going to polls in 2006 will receive special attention.

But is Mumbai ready to welcome 4,000 delegates?

The tents are up, the stage is under construction and the decks are cleared to welcome the 4,000 delegates.

India's saffron party will come together in a Mumbai suburb and the organising committee has ensured that everything is in place before they arrive.

"The preparations are going on in full swing. We are just giving some finishing touches," Pramod Mahajan, BJP General Sectreaatry says.

More than 200 workers have been hire to set up the basic infrastructure and accommodation facilities for the delegates.

The BJP began their political journey from the same ground 25 years ago.

In these 25 years, it went on to become one of India's leading political parties.

The major attraction at the venue is the entrance that resembles Delhi’s Red Fort.

"We chose this theme, because it marks our journey from Mumbai till Atal Bihari Vaypayee addressed the nation in Red Fort. This is a very special place for us," Mahajan says.

This congregation of BJP will, however, add to the traffic woes of the already packed city.

The city's traffic police have made special arrangements to avoid congestion during these days and have diverted traffic off key roads.

(With inputs from Mosiqui Acharya)

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