It's final, BJP 'Chintan Baithak' to take place on Aug.19

New Delhi, Aug.7 (ANI): More than three months after its poll debacle, the BJP's plan for holding a "Chintan Baithak" or assessment-cum introspection exercise, will finally take place on August 19.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of senior party leaders at the residence of Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani. It was decided that top BJP and RSS leaders will discuss the reasons which led to their electoral debacle during the three-day conclave in Shimla.

The "Chintan Baithak" was earlier slated to take place in Mumbai, the capital of the assembly election bound state of Maharashtra.

The venue was shifted to Shimla reportedly over fears that a "Chintan Baithak" in Mumbai could generate a lot of negative perception about the party.

There were many contradictions within the party over the holding of the "Chintan Biathak". Party sources say this was the main reason behind the delay.

But all differences are ironed out.

Downplaying the delay over the holding of the "Chintan Baithak", BJP president Rajnath Singh told ANI that the meeting was scheduled for August 17, but with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, presiding over a Chief Ministers' meeting in Delhi on that day and bye-elections being held on the 18th, it was deemed appropriate to hold the Shimla conclave on the 19th. It may be recalled that Singh was initially not in favour of having a "Chintan Baithak" in the first place.

It is expected that the "Chintan Baithak" will set the course for the future. The issue of leadership could also be touched upon. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)