Bhubaneswar MP Blames State Leadership For BJP’s Poor Show In ULB Elections

Bhubaneswar: The role of leadership of state BJP came under question again for the party’s poor performance in the just concluded elections to urban local bodies (ULBs).

Speaking to the media, here on Sunday, BJP’s Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi said the the party has the strength and ability to win the elections. But the state leadership has to be active and dynamic to fight against the ruling party.

“Unless state leadership of BJP is strengthened, it will not be reflected in its performance at the grassroots level, she said.

Admitting that BJP has fared poorly in the ULB elections, she said she accepts the verdict of the people. “In a democracy, one must humbly respect the decision of the people and I accept their verdict in this election,” the MP said.

She further said the use of muscle and money power by ruling BJD is common knowledge. “I am surprised why the ruling party resorted to intimidating the opposition candidates and voters and spent such huge amount of money even after remaining in power for 22 years,” she said.

Since the BJD is staking claim to good and transparent administration under its rule, it should go to the people with confidence and seek vote instead of using its influence through all possible means to win elections, she added.

However, she said she would not blame other parties before setting own house in order. For this, the top leadership needs to be strengthened as the party workers have the ability to do their jobs. “BJP workers have put in a lot of efforts across the state in the election. They are motivated, inspired and confident to take on any challenge. They have ability to win the elections but the state leadership needs to be strengthened. We have to strengthen at every level from grasroots to top. It’s time for introspection,” she said.

She expressed her gratefulness to the people of Odisha for supporting the party. “In Bhubaneswar, party’s mayor candidate, who is a new face in politics, could muster 1.14 lakh votes which is a great thing. The party’s 10 candidates have been elected as corporators and 8 contestants lost with very narrow margin. But we could have done far better,” she said.

It may be noted that after BJP’s dismal performance in the recently concluded panchayat elections, senior party leader Bijay Mahapatra had also spoken about poor leadership. He had blamed lack of adequate preparation and strategy by the state leadership for the poor show.