Karnataka: Consider local sentiments while inducting outsiders, says BJP top brass

Bengaluru: With its performance in the UP elections reportedly turning the party into a magnet for leaders of other parties, the BJP central leadership has directed all its state units to be careful when inducting them. It has suggested they assess their popularity and what they can bring to it before allowing them into the party.

Speaking to the Deccan Chronicle, BJP general secretary, C.T. Ravi said the party's central leadership had issued general instructions to all state units to do their homework before taking leaders from other parties into their fold.

"After the UP elections, several leaders from other parties are interested in joining the BJP. But the central leadership wants them to be filtered on the basis of their popularity and value to the BJP," he added.

The party has also instructed the state leadership to take the feedback from the local leadership on a leader's induction seriously. "If the local leadership and local RSS leaders disagree with the induction of any leader from their region into the party, the state leadership has been told to respect their sentiments," revealed party insiders.

The state units can expect more suggestions and instructions on opening their doors to other party leaders at the party's national executive committee meeting which will be held in Bhuvaneshwar on April 15 and 16, according to Mr. Ravi.

While many senior Congress leaders are reportedly keen on joining the BJP from Karnataka, many second rung leaders from the JD(S) are said to be interested in joining it as well.

"I have been receiving many calls from second rung Congress and JD(S) leaders from Mandya, Hassan, Bengaluru Rural and Mysuru districts", said senior BJP leader, R. Ashok, who has been given the responsibility of strengthening the party organisation in the old Mysuru region.