Factionalism in the party and wrong distribution of tickets for debacle in the recent state Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh

UNA--The opposition BJP today organised a review meeting, squarely blaming factionalism in the party and wrong distribution of tickets for debacle in the recent state Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh, where the party managed 26 seats compared to 42 in the previous Assembly-polls. The meeting, presided over by state co-Incharge Shyam Jaju and attended by State BJP president Satpal Singh Sati, included all BJP elected and defeated candidates and block leaders. Party organisation General Secretary Pawan Rana and BJP Central observor Ram Lal also attended the meeting. Addressing mediapersons after the meeting, Mr Jaju categorically stated that it was concluded in the session that the party was not defeated by the ruling Congress at all, but the factionalism and wrong distribution were reasons for its debacle. 'It came forth in the brain storming session that most of the defeated candidates and senior party leaders complained of factionalism and many ambitious party rebels were in the fray, defying party's warning,' Mr Jaju said. Some ambitious party workers emerged as major rebel against their own candidates. Moreover, there was poor local management of election responsible for debacle, he said, adding that party would not include such rebels in state unit who forced the party out of power while it was very much in position to retain and achieve 'mission repeat'. The report prepared after the session would be handed over to party core group soon. He claimed that meeting was largely peaceful and separate discussions had been held for each Assembly segment. The brainstorming session was convened by the party national unit at Suvidha hotel in Una. It was not attended by main party leaders like former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, BJP national vice president Shanta Kumar and state party In charge Kalraj Mishra.