Nitin Gadkari, BJP's former national president, has spoken his mind yet again. Known for his bluntness, fearlessness and aggression, he has said from a public platform what others in the party are saying in a hush-hush manner, after its defeat in the three states of the Hindi-speaking belt. Gadkari said he expects political leaderships to own up to failures as much as success.

His statement is seen as an indicator of what is brewing in the BJP after the downfall in the regions. By choosing to speak up loud and clear, has Gadkari thrown his hat into the ring? Does it mean that he is emerging as an alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in case the situation arising out of Lok Sabha poll results demands so? Many in the BJP believe that it is the right time for them to project Gadkari as the next big thing. Gadkari's supporters rely on his superior skills in building bridges with estranged people within and outside the BJP, who have been feeling that the current leadership has treated them badly.