‘Poor’ coordination by Delhi BJP at Deendayal Upadhyay event invites RSS ire

Poor attendence of party workers at an event held mark the birth centenary year of Pundit Deendayal Upadhyay has irked the RSS. Other party segments like the Mahila Morcha and Minority Morcha are also reportedly unhappy with the functioning of the state unit.

Lack of coordination among office bearers of the Delhi BJP’s executive committee has irked RSS. Sources in the party said Siddharthan, general secretary (organisation) has conveyed his displeasure over the issue to Manoj Tiwari, state unit chief in the last weekly meeting of the party on February 8.

Death anniversary of Pundit Seen Dayal Upadhyay was observed as ‘Smaran Divas’ by the Delhi BJP on February 11.

The trigger was a workers’ meet held at Civic Centre on January 30 as part of the year-long birth centenary celebrations of Pundit Deendayal Upadhyay.

Party insiders say the organisation was not unhappy with the poor attendance at the function. “The capacity of the auditorium is about 1,000 but a noticeable numbers of seats were vacant. It was embarrassing as workers started leaving while the last speaker was still addressing attendees,” a party leader said.

A senior party functionary privy to the development said the weak attendence was due to communication gap. “A system is being developed for better coordination among office bearers to avoid embarrassment in future. The issue will be resolved,” he said requesting anonymity.

However, Ravinder Gupta, general secretary, Delhi BJP denied any differences or mismanagement. “There is no problem at any level. The programme was well organised and successful,” he said.

Sources further added that a group of leaders, especially from the women’s wing, is also unhappy with senior office bearers because of their style of functioning. “Senior women leaders recently complained that the Mahila Morcha is not informed about party events such as dharna or march. Manoj Tiwari along with other leaders visited Asha Kiran, home for mentally challenged following the report of 11 deaths. However, no woman leader was asked to join the delegation though the issue was related to women,” a party insider said.

He said no representation from Mahila Morcha in ‘realty check campaign’ by the state unit to expose the failure of AAP government, has caused further resentment in a section of party leaders.

“The party leaders from minority wing are upset too because of the delay in the appointment of heads of Minority Morcha in 13 districts. The Delhi BJP has not even nominated president of the Delhi Minority Morcha,” he said.

Gupta said, “We are looking for capable and active leaders. The process is on. We don’t want to stereotype these posts. We will appoint leaders who will further strengthen the party.”