New Delhi: Even before an official internal survey can be carried out, senior BJP leaders have begun analysing the reasons for the party’s defeat in the Delhi elections. Arrogance, a complete disconnect, a pro-corporate, pro-rich image and ignoring the party cadre, they feel, were among the major reasons for the drubbing.
Some alleged that rejecting the party’s internal surveys, the top BJP leadership relied on market surveys done by professional agencies, which predicted a sure victory. The leadership was also accused of ignoring internal warnings that personal attacks against Arvind Kejriwal could be “counter-productive”.
As one speaks to saffron leaders across Delhi on the defeat, one thing is evident: sympathy among workers is in short supply. Yet there are those who are working hard to put the entire onus on the Delhi state unit. This, they claimed, will be the party’s “official line”. The Delhi unit leaders are being blamed for “under performance” and “sabotage”. Some senior figures are being accused of “consolidating against Kiran Bedi”, the BJP’s CM candidate.
Party workers said that instead of putting its own house in order, the leadership, without any consultation, pushed for Kiran Bedi. This move, some felt, “united the warring factions within the party”. It also “disturbed the tradition of consultations within party forums”. They claimed the leadership “adopted an approach of bulldozing its way without taking workers into confidence”.
