Monday, October 17 2005 19:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Facing a virtual revolt by loyalists of firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Bharti, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur today (Oct 17, 2005) summoned around six Ministers and asked them to resign if they have lost confidence in his leadership.

The ministers, whose names reportedly figured in the campaign by BJP legislators demanding Gaur's ouster and return of Bharti at the helm were called by the Chief Minister, sources close to Gaur said.

Gaur categorically told the Ministers, numbering about six that they should tender their resignation from the Ministry in case they have no confidence in his leadership, the sources said.

However, the Ministers expressed full support to Gaur and confidence in his leadership, sources said, adding that none of them had resigned since the meeting with Gaur.

Those summoned by Gaur included School Education Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar, Jail Minister Dhal Singh Bisen, Agriculture Minister Gopal Bhargav and Panchayat Raj Minister Karan Singh Verma, the sources said.

Over 50 BJP MLAs, including some ministers, had gathered at Bharti's residence here and demanded that she be made the Chief Minister again replacing Gaur.