Hyderabad: Terming the Congress as a "sinking ship" being shaken by desertions and rapid erosion of traditional support base, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (Feb 27, 2004) predicted another split in the Opposition party after elections when it would be reduced to a "double digit".

"Several prominent Congressmen and members of traditional Congress families are leaving the party unable to put up with its authoritarianism. It will reduce to a double digit after elections leading to more desertions and another split," BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu said.

Asked about possibility of Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Najma Heptullah joining BJP, he said, "I have no indication. Neither she approached us nor we have talked to her."

He, however showered encomiums on her saying she was one of the best Parliamentarians who has brought name and fame to the country by diligently discharging responsibilities given to her.

Taking umbrage over Congress leaders' outbursts against Heptullah for speaking out her mind, Naidu said it smacked of authoritarian streak in Congress, which was unable to digest dissent.

"No self-respecting person can remain in Congress," Naidu added.