‘No dearth of capable leaders in BJP’

SHIMLA: Satpal Singh Satti, 53, known for his blunt words and firm actions, has risen from ranks in the saffron party. He took to politics early during his student life. An M Phil in political science, Satti remained state secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) from 1988 to 1991; national secretary of ABVP from 1991 to 1993 and also the state president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). He was first elected to state legislative assembly in 2003, re-elected in 2007 and 2012.

Satti remained chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) (power) during BJP regime from 2007-2012. He was reappointed BJP state chief for the third consecutive term in January last year. Satti’s biggest challenge in this tenure has been to strike a balance between warring factions in the BJP.

Is there any factionalism in the party and how difficult it was for you to manage it?

There is no factional fight, as being mainly publicised by the opposition party. BJP is fully united. The result of Shimla municipal corporation was reflective of the party’s unity. We won it after 34 years. Certainly leaders from different era and age groups have difference of opinion, but when it comes to the interest of the party, they all are united.

Does the party anticipate rebellion? It lost power due to infighting in 2012?

Yes, I agree that infighting cost the party dear in 2012. We suffered heavy electoral losses in 2012 otherwise the BJP would have repeated the government, but this time, the central and state units have been treading with caution, particularly on rebels and turncoats. Senior leaders including former chief minister Shanta Kumar, Prem Kumar Dhumal and Union minister JP Nadda will take care of it. This time, the party will not succumb under any pressure tactics. Indiscipline will not be tolerated.

Is BJP banking on Modi factor in Himachal?

Not just Himachal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s work has won accolades across the country. It’s not just one factor in politics but the main strength of any person or party is the organisation and its workers.

Why didn’t BJP project a CM candidate? Are there too many aspirants in the party?

There is no dearth of capable leaders in the BJP. The party would announce its CM candidate as and when required. On the other hand, Congress does not have any dependable candidate and is solely dependent on its tainted CM Virbhadra Singh. The entire party, including the chief minister and his family members are out on bail. People of Himachal will not bail out these corrupt leaders during elections.

What will be your main poll plank?

We will contest the elections on policies and schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have prepared a vision document for Himachal Pradesh. Besides this, we will highlight the failures of the Congress government and obviously the ‘corruption’, ‘misgovernance’ of the CM and Congress leaders is a bigger issue.

Law and order has deteriorated.