Gandhinagar: Refuting reports that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has "threatened" to resign in the wake of brewing dissidence among the MLAs, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today (May 27, 2004) categorically ruled out any change in leadership in the State.

"There is no question (of change of guard) and no partyman had made any such demand," Agriculture Minister and State BJP general secretary Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said while denying that any discussion was held about change of leadership.

Asked about the several rounds of meetings between senior BJP leaders and legislators, Chudasama said these meetings were only an "attempt to keep the party together and analyse the post-poll scenario".

Chudasama said that these MLAs were "only venting out their feelings" but refused to elaborate when sought a detailed reply saying, "We will say everything regarding Representations of MLAs at an appropriate time."

Asked what did senior BJP leader from Mehsana Dr A K Patel, hosting a "birthday party" for MLAs at some location at Gandhinagar today (May 27, 2004) indicated, he said it was only a personal meeting and party had nothing to do with it.