Squall, thunderstorm likely at BJP meet

NEW DELHI: BJP���s national executive meeting, which commences here on Saturday, will be taking place against the backdrop of a self-destructive infighting among its top leaders. The intra-party skirmishes turned uglier in the wake of its humiliating defeat in LS polls. In fact, the leadership has never looked so weak and helpless, and the cadre never so demoralised.

With a free-for-all staring at the national executive, the BJP brass has been constrained to trim the proceedings so as to prevent any outburst which has the leaders squirming for cover. Party managers have decided to introduce just one resolution ��� that on the political situation prevailing in the country. The omnibus document is expected to cover all crucial issues.

There will be no separate resolution on the economic situation, or on the farmers��� woes.
The schedule for the meeting has been prepared in such a manner that there will be little time for ���a free-and-frank discussion��� on the BJP���s electoral performance, as has been demanded by a section of the party. Besides discussion on the political resolution, BJP���s showing in the general election could come under scrutiny during the reporting from the various state units.

���The national executive will discuss all issues comprehensively,��� BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told newspersons in response to specific queries on whether the Lok Sabha debacle will come up for a review at the meeting. But he refused to come out with the details.

The two-day-long affair, according to Mr Naqvi, will see the party charting out its future programmes. A fresh membership drive is likely to be launched soon to enroll members afresh. Besides, the roadmap for organisational elections ��� from the mandal up to the national levels ��� will also be given finishing touches. The exercise will culminate in the election of the new party president by the year-end.

With elections to four state assemblies ��� Jharkhand, Haryana, Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh ��� round the corner, officebearers belonging to the four state units are expected to apprise the national executive about the status of the party���s preparations. With the exception of Jharkhand, BJP���s prospects in the remaining three states are not considered to be too rosy. Even in Jharkhand, BJP is plagued with dissensions. If Congress is able to iron out its alliance wrinkles in the state, BJP is expected to face an uphill task in reclaiming its pre-eminent status in the state.