BJP to seek answers for ‘poor planning’

The BJP has decided to seek explanation from its three general secretaries of the Delhi unit after a report by an independent observer said that they acted ‘separately’ and broke away from the party’s strategy and protocol during the recent civic elections.

The observer, which was appointed by the central leadership to oversee the civic polls, underlined fissures in the unit.

Sources said the report submitted to BJP chief Amit Shah says there was no coordination among leaders during campaigning and it was poorly planned.

“The central observers noted that division in the party peaked in the middle of the election campaign,” said a party insider.

The report also pointed out that the three general secretaries, instead of focusing on party’s strategy to ensure well coordinated joint efforts, were apparently working ‘separately’. “...Because of their lack of understanding, ‘wrong’ photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shahji were used in initial campaign posters,” said a source.

A party functionary said the senior party leadership is miffed with three Delhi BJP general secretaries, Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Ravinder Gupta and Rajesh Bhatia, whose photos are found on party posters, which has not been a practice in the past.

Sources said taking note of protocol breaches, the state leadership has decided to seek explanation from three office bearers.

“Ignoring senior party leaders, their images were being used in posters, banners, and hoardings,” he said.

Sources said it was after the intervention of state unit chief Manoj Tiwari that pictures of his predecessors Vijender Gupta and Satish Upadhyay were placed on the campaign rath.