Ensure effective implementation of projects : BJP tells municipal chiefs
MOVE Message passed at nagar palika, nagar parishad chiefs’ meet JAIPUR:
After a poor show in urban local bodies’ polls in Rajasthan, the BJP has asked its municipal chairpersons to ensure that development works are implemented effectively.
The Congress not only won two Lok Sabha and one assembly by-elections in February, but also 21 of 30 urban local bodies’ polls, results for which were announced on March 8.
At a meeting of the nagar palika and nagar parishad chairpersons here on Thursday, BJP leaders asked them to focus on performance and ensure delivery, a move that indicates that the party is in a damage control mode.
BJP state in-charge V Satish chaired the meeting that was attended by 71 of the 127 chairpersons. State BJP president Ashok Parnami, organisation general secretary Chandrashekhar and urban development and housing minister Shrichand Kriplani addressed the meeting.
Worried that the BJP seems to be losing its grip on the cities and urban areas which were once considered its stronghold, the party asked the heads of the urban local bodies to ensure that the government’s policies reach the ground level, a participant in the meeting said.
The civic bodies’ heads were also asked about problems they face in their functioning, the participant said.
“It was called to address problems being faced by the chairpersons in day-to-day functioning, to ensure proper coordination between departments and proper utilisation of the additional budget given to the local bodies,” Parnami told the media after the meeting.
“We also discussed how the chairpersons can contribute to strengthening the party.”
Asked why only 71 chairpersons turned up, Parnami said the meeting was called at a short notice and some functionaries already had fixed programmes.
Parnami claimed the BJP was no longer a party confined to the cities but had spread its roots to rural areas as well. “BJP has won 163 panchayat samitis, the first time any party has won so many seats. The Congress has won a maximum of 144.”
‘RETURN TO BJP’
The state party chief welcomed Kirori Lal Meena’s return to the
BJP, saying other dissenting leaders should also be largehearted and return to the party fold.
“Meena is an old party worker and a strong pillar of the party. He said he had left the party for 10 years which was a mistake. His return will strengthen the party,” said the BJP state president.
Asked if the BJP would try to pacify rebel BJP MLA Ghanshyam Tiwari, he said any party worker who is angry should sort out his grievances and return to the party fold. “We will work to resolve their complaints.”
He evaded a reply on whether action would be taken against MLAs Tiwari and Ghanshyam Gyandev Ahuja who have made statements against the chief minister. The party has referred their matter to the central disciplinary committee and no decision has been taken. Parnami added that action would be taken against anyone who resorted to indiscipline.
He said, “Like Meena has shown magnanimity and returned to the party, others should come forward and do the same.”