New Delhi, Apr 22: Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde, who had resigned from his party posts on Sunday, arrived here this morning to have talks with Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) central leadership.

"I am confident that we should be able to sort out the issue by the end of the day," Venkaiah Naidu, a senior BJP leader told reporters before leaving for Leader of Opposition L. K. Advani's residence, where the meeting is being held.

Another senior leader Bal Apte said, “Munde is the tallest leader in the state and will lead the party in the next Assembly elections.

Munde had reportedly expressed his displeasure over the appointment of Madhu Chavan, a close confidant of Maharashtra BJP president Nitin Gadkari, as president of the Mumbai BJP unit. He wanted Kirit Somaya to be the Mumbai party chief.

Munde, who appeared ready for reconciliation, said, “I will not leave the BJP and appointment of Madhu Chavan is not the only issue.”

Munde is expected to meet BJP president Rajnath Singh separately.

According to party sources, a bitter battle has been raging between Munde and Nitin Gadkari over several party decisions taken with relation to Maharashtra.

Though Munde was summoned to Delhi by the party leadership, he sent his representatives on Monday. Munde has reportedly met Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal of Nationalist Congerss Party (NCP). (ANI)