Patna, May 2: Voices of dissent have been growing stronger in New Delhi against Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

“The BJP high command is convinced that its future does not hold promise with Sushil Kumar Modi at the helm of the Bihar unit especially in the election year,” said a senior party MLA, camping in New Delhi, along with rebels carrying out “oust Modi” campaign.

“We don’t need to speak to the media as of now. We are co-operating with our leaders and trying to bring out a change in the leadership,” he summed up.

The senior MLA’s remark does not appear to be wide off the mark. At least 35, of the 55 BJP legislators in the House, are camping in New Delhi in the wake of Ntish Kumar-led cabinet reshuffle.

Well-placed sources say that deputy chief minister Modi is in “real trouble” despite enjoying the support of senior general secretary Arun Jaitely.

The party high command, it is learnt, has made up its mind to listen to what the rebels are demanding — Modi’s resignation. But till the Karnataka polls are over, no steps would be taken.

The BJP is in a tight spot over Karnataka polls as it has been “warring” with JD(U) in the state, and is in an alliance with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) in Bihar.

“It’s just a lull before the storm. Our high command will change Bihar leadership. It is only a matter of time. Sooner it happens, the better,” remarked a senior leader in New Delhi. Senior leaders Jaitely and Rajnath Singh have asked Modi to “win over” the dissidents rather than initiating actions against them.

The dissidents, who had several meetings with president Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitely and senior RSS ideologues, have been insisting that party’s interests would be “jeopardised” with Modi at the helm. Especially, before what they describe as most crucial Lok Sabha polls that “promises to make L.K. Advani India’s next Prime Minister”. They argue that JD(U) has been gaining more at the cost of the BJP, with Modi at BJP helm.

“The leadership can only defer its reaction for the time being. But, it will have to find a solution before the Lok Sabha polls,” said an observer.