New Delhi: After days of standoff, BJP president Rajnath Singh on Sunday told the media he had asked Vasundhara Raje to quit as Rajasthan's Leaders of Opposition.
"The BJP Parliamentary Board believes that Vasundhara Raje will act on the positive statements she made and obey the party's decision. I have conveyed that decision to her. I have asked her to submit her resignation."
It was a strong signal from the BJP president that his word will be obeyed by former Rajasthan CM Vasundhra Raje.
It's also a message to Raje loyalists to fall in line.
But Rajnath set no deadline for Raje to quit -- perhaps allowing her more time.
Earlier in the day, Raje issued a conciliatory statement saying she had never said anything against the BJP or any leaders of the party nor has she ever thought of starting a new party. Raje also asserted that she can never think of damaging a party for which her mother had contributed immensely.
Observers say this softened tone is the result of dwindling support as over 2 dozen of the MLAs supporting Raje have now switched sides.
Says Ashok Parnami, the BJP MLA from Jaipur: "I am a BJP worker, I will be loyal to the BJP. We are with the party organisation and will do whatever they say."
Raje critics insist her refusal to resign amounts to indiscipline and say her arrogance is damaging the party's image.
The compromise formula now has ensured that both Raje and Rajnath save face. But this bitter battle is just one episode in the ongoing war within the BJP.