10 Aug : After its second consecutive defeat in the LS elections, BJP leaders will discuss the roadmap for the party at its ‘chintan baithak’ and scan reports from states on reasons behind the poll debacle.
The party will also discuss the place of Hindutva ideology in the organisation at the three-day brainstorming meet in Shimla.
At the recent national executive held after the polls, party leaders had indicated that BJP would follow “inclusive Hindutva”, leading to debates that the party may go for “ideological dilution”. However, BJP has denied any such move.
“There is no ideological dilution in the party. But in the Chintan Baithak, we would discuss steps that need to be taken to check any chances of this happening,” Deputy Leader of BJP in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said.
The party will discuss how its reach has been expanded to the southern states and in regions where we do not have a presence, a senior BJP MP said.
It is also likely to have a look at the “lessons learnt” in the recent past and deliberate on how to “improve the party’s health” after the poll debacle.
BJP vice-president Bal Apte, who was appointed head of a three-member committee to discuss reasons for poll defeat with state units, will present reports analysing the party’s performance at the hustings.
Govt should not spread panic about swine flu: BJP
Even as cases of swine flu are on the rise, BJP has asked the govt not to spread panic and take all necessary measures, including taking the state governments into confidence.
“The government and people should not spread panic about swine flu…. Like some sections are saying India would be the worst hit “BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters at New Delhi on Monday.
The BJP leader said this was a time to practise restraint and promised all support from his party in the fight against the epidemic.
“We expect the government to take all possible measures including taking the state governments into confidence. We hope the state governments will co-operate with the Centre. Private hospitals can also be roped in,” he said.
Rudy expressed concern over the growing number of swine flu cases in the country and said all sections of the society should contribute to fighting it.”Kids have been affected and they are also suffering as schools have been closed,” he said.