UP BJP discusses debacle, seniors absent

The Uttar Pradesh BJP on Monday held a meeting here to discuss the causes of party's failure in the recent Lok Sabha elections though many senior leaders were conspicuous by their absence.

Briefing media persons after the meeting, state BJP president Ramapati Ram Tripathi said, "Nearly 50 candidates participated in Monday's discussion, which lasted for more than six hours. It was also discussed as to why the party candidates lost despite initial public support in favour of the party in the state".

When asked why senior leaders like Rajnath Singh, Meneka Gandhi, Yogi Adityanath, Murli Manohar Joshi and Varun Gandhi did not attend the meeting, Tripathi said "The purpose of the meeting was not diluted by their absence. They are busy in Delhi and they all had won their seats".

Brushing aside rumours that the candidates were not allowed to speak in the meeting, Tripathi said, "It was held in the most cordial atmosphere, as everybody is concerned about the party's interest."

He also said that the next meeting of the state unit's executive is likely to be held in the first week of July.