Bhopal/Datia, Aug 4 (IANS) Amid allegations of internal sabotage following its defeat in the Datia Assembly bypoll, the Madhya Pradesh unit of the BJP on Tuesday constituted a two-member committee to examine the reasons behind the setback and recommend corrective measures.
The committee, constituted by state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, comprises state General Secretary Gaurav Ranadive and senior leader Ambaram Karada.
It has been asked to interact with party office-bearers and senior leaders associated with the bypoll and submit its findings to the state leadership.
“The two-member committee will analyse the reasons behind the election results by holding discussions with responsible office-bearers and senior leaders associated with the election and submit its report to Hemant Khandelwal,” state BJP’s media incharge Ashish Usha Agrawal told IANS.
Datia bypoll results declared on Monday came as a big setback for the ruling BJP as it lost the election to Congress’ Ghanshyam Singh with a margin of 6,016 votes.
Ghanshyam Singh secured 66,757 votes against Tiwari’s 60,741, while Aazad Samaj Party candidate Damodar Yadav finished third with 22,527 votes.
The issue gained prominence after the party’s defeated candidate, Ashutosh Tiwari, alleged that some BJP workers had worked against the official nominee and contributed to the Congress candidate’s victory.
The committee is expected to assess organisational as well as political factors behind the defeat.
Its report is likely to form the basis for the BJP’s organisational response, including possible action against those found to have been engaged in anti-party activities during the bypoll.
The development comes a day after Khandelwal said the BJP would review the reasons for the defeat and take strict action against those found involved in anti-party activities during the election.
The Datia bye-election, held on July 30, was widely viewed as a prestige battle for both the BJP and the Congress, with senior leaders from both parties extensively campaigning in the constituency.
The BJP’s campaign was also marked by speculation over internal differences after former Home Minister Narottam Mishra was denied the party ticket.
Following the announcement of Tiwari’s candidature, some of Mishra’s supporters blocked National Highway-44 in protest. Mishra, however, rejected reports of resentment and publicly backed the party’s decision. He later campaigned for Tiwari and appealed to party workers to ensure the BJP’s victory.
–IANS
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