Both the leaders claimed to be representing the mainstream JP and boasted to prove their popularity among its grassroots workers and leaders by holding separate councils.

The drama unfolded on June 26 when Rawshan Ershad, senior presidium member of Jatiya Party (JP) and wife of Ershad, proclaimed herself as the acting chairman of JP and unveiled plans for intra-party reforms -- apparently seeking to dethrone former president HM Ershad from the top party post.

On June 30, JP chief HM Ershad added fuel to the fire by quitting his post and appointing Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, a presidium member of the party, as the acting chairman of the party until a new party chief is elected through a council.

The recent developments over the top party post have clearly divided its leaders and workers, party sources said.

HM Ershad sent messages to grassroots leaders and workers of JP and urged them to keep calm at the present situation, said JP sources.

Meanwhile, Rawshan told The Daily Star yesterday, "It is not acceptable because he [barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud] has been declared the acting chairman of JP in an undemocratic way."

"We are the real JP," she claimed adding, "Their [Ershad and Anisul] recent move has created division among leaders and workers in the party."

"We will take actions and will hold a council after the ban on indoor politics is lifted," Rawshan said.

In another exclusive interview with The Daily Star yesterday, Anisul Islam Mahmud said, "If someone declares him or herself as the party chief with only one or two leaders present, will that [represent] the mainstream of the party?"

"What she [Rawshan] has done is against the party's constitution," Anisul claimed.

Anisul said that two separate councils would be held -- one for the reforms and the other for electing the chairman of the party.

He wished to work together with everyone to bring new and positive changes in the party.