The BJP wants him out but is embarrassed to press the issue with Sena leaders when Chief Minister Manohar Joshi has vociferously declared Gholap innocent. Also, BJP office bearers said that the relations between the two parties were at such an abysmal low that it is difficult to press their stand on delicate issues. However, the BJP will try to see that Gholap does not function as minister or does not have a portfolio even if he continues in the cabinet.

An order passed by the additional chief metropolitan magistrate RD Gate on Saturday might help the ``Sack Gholap'' drive. The court has directed the police -- EconomicOffences wing of the Crime Branch -- to submit its investigation report by February 20, 1999. If this report excludes Gholap while probing officials and his staff involved in parking the money -- which is expected to happen -- the Criminal Procedure Code requires the police to surrender to the court. If only to avoid the loss of credibility, the police will be forced to inquire into Gholap's role.

The piquant situation arises from a criminal complaint filed by Sanjiv Chimbulkar, former general secretary of Janata Dal, who made Gholap the first respondent. When the court demanded the police inquiry report, it implies that the police investigation is clubbed together with the private complaint and it becomes incumbent on the police to investigate Gholap too. ``Gholap will have to be produced before the court on or before February 20 next year,'' said Chimbulkar.

Sources say this possibility will increase the pressure on the government to allow the police to investigate Gholap. Reports are that the file ispending with Joshi but he has not given his clearance yet. Though Joshi told the state legislature that he is not withholding the file, sources say the request is pending with him. As if to indicate his choice, Joshi announced at a public meeting in Karad last weekend that Gholap is innocent.

However, Joshi and the Sena might eventually be forced to take a decision on Gholap. Sources say he might be persuaded to resign, if only to save the government embarrassment in court. Shashikant Sutar, former Sena minister also implicated by social worker Anna Hazare, was shown the door and is still in the wilderness. Hazare's anti-corruption campaign included Gholap too and Hazare paid the price by going to jail for supposedly defaming Gholap while making allegations.

Gholap is valued in the party for his following amongst the ``charmkars'', people who work with leather. He has reportedly taken several decisions during his tenure that directly and indirectly benefit lakhs of ``charmkars''. For instance, they wereable to get permanent possession of the stalls or street-side shops they put up. This popularity also handicaps the BJP since pressing for Gholap's ouster might be interpreted as their intolerance towards the community.

While the Congress sustained the issue in the state legislature last week, party sources say they will consider taking it to the streets. The idea being discussed is to make Gholap the symbol of corruption in the Sena.