Monday, December 26 2005 17:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Murli Manohar Joshi had reportedly expressed reservations over the expulsion offirebrand leader Uma Bharti from the party though they finally gave their consent to the Central Parliamentary Board's decision, according to highly-placed party sources here.

Though the party has firmly closed its door on the fiery sanyasin, her expulsion remains a hot topic of discussion among party leaders from across the country who have gathered for the BJP national executive meeting beginning here later today (Dec 26, 2005)and for the party's national convention scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

However, the chances of any leader raising the issue appeared remote as it could incur the wrath of the party leadership, whom she had antagonized through her verbal and written attacks over the past couple of months.

Meanwhile, highly-placed party sources told sources that Vajpayee had warned the crucial Parliamentary Board meeting, which sealed the fate of Bharti's career in the party, that if expelled, 'she would be a perennial problem'.

Joshi suggested a 'softer' action saying any extreme action could damage the party in the long-run, the sources said, adding the former HRD Minister was against any 'hasty decision' in the matter.

The former HRD Minister was of the opinion that "She was mishandled by the party leaders", the sources said.

"She is a mass leader with immense potential. She could have been utilized effectively but for the mishandling by some leaders," said another leader.

Other leaders said even if it may not be true, the second-generation leaders of the party 'gave the impression' to her that 'they were determined to oust her and she reacted.'

Some party leaders from Madhya Pradesh termed as 'unnerving' the response to Bharti's 'Ram Roti Yatra' and her rallies in the state.

"If the crowds turn into votes, it could spell doom for BJP in Madhya Pradesh," they said.

Even without the support of any MLAs, she could turn out to be an embarrassment for the ruling party in the Assembly, they said.

However, party leaders said her rehabilitation in the party under the leadership of Advani's likely successor Rajnath Singh appeared remote as "He knows not only how to get to the top but also to remain there".