When Amit Shah gave the Karnataka BJP a reality check

Shah sought to know how many rallies were organised to point out the failures of the Congress government.

The BJP's national chief, Amit Shah decided to give his party in Karnataka a reality check. Armed with three survey reports, he asked the BJP leaders in Karnataka how many seats would they win if the state went to polls today.

Several leaders including the BJP's chief ministerial candidate, B S Yeddyurappa said that they would win anything between 125 and 150 seats. Shah however shot back and said in reality the BJP would win just 80 seats if elections were held today.

Shah who is on a three day visit to Karnataka held a series of meetings with party leaders. At every meet, he urged the Karnataka BJP to always be in poll mode. There is a lot that has to be done and we still have a long way to go, Shah told party workers.

Shah further pointed out the problem areas and asked the party leaders to focus more on areas that they are weak. The survey report details were shared with the leaders who were also told to scrutinise the problems faced by the party. There are several constituencies part of the report which are either weak or fallen out of the BJP's hand.

These are the areas that need focus, Shah told his party men. Shah was particularly harsh on the factional feuds in the party. He reminded the party leaders about how the BJP had suffered due to infighting and with what great difficulty it had managed to complete its term in 2013. He said that there is no scope for such feuds and all differences should be cast aside. This is important, Shah said while adding none are bigger than the party.

When some members raised issues about the party leadership in Karnataka, Shah curtly told them, " Don't worry we will take care of it. For now focus on strengthening the party at all levels. You also need to take on the state government more strongly when it comes to issues such as corruption," Shah also said.

Shah sought to know how many rallies were organised to point out the failures of the Congress government. One leader who was part of the meeting said, " Shah was clear in his approach. He was unhappy over several issues and felt that the state unit of the party had not done enough to take on the Congress government. There were so many issues about the Congress government reported, but the response from the BJP was either low-key or muted."

Go for the kill and avoid marathon speeches and programmes aimed only at photoshoots, Shah advised. Start now, start immediately and gauge the mood of the public. Always be in election mode or else we will lose out, Shah also told party workers.

OneIndia News