A meeting would be held in BJP office on Tuesday to shortlist candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections but the topic of discussion in the party on Monday was on how to control the revolt-like situation once he party declares the final list.
“We are expecting an uproar in the party after the distribution of tickets. This is very normal. The BJP is on the upswing and all the leaders, who have shed sweat and blood to stregnthen the party in UP want tickets. Those leaders who will be denied tickets, will naturally feel depressed,” a senior leader in the party told ‘The Pioneer’ in lucknow on Monday.
In Tuesday’s meet at the BJP office, members of the core group will deliberate on candidates. They will shortlist the names and then pass the same to the high command. The party’s national chief Amit Shah will take a final call on the list which is likely to be announced after January 15.
“Mind my words. There would be dharnas and protests in the party once candidates are declared. You will see many dedicated workers protesting in the party office,” a senior leader said munching peanuts. “This had happened earlier and will happen now too,” he said.
Another quipped: “A team to control damage has already been formed. They will ensure that minimum damage is done to the party. All candidates who have a potential to win elections would be given tickets.”
Over a dozen sitting legislators from different parties have joined the BJP in recent months. It is believed that all of them have been assured tickets by the party high command.
A BJP leader however denied this. “There is no assurance given to these leaders. It has been told that if they have the potential to win election they would be given tickets,” he clarified
The leader revealed that former legislator and a top notch leader from Bundelkhand RK Patel wanted to contest on a BJP ticket but stopped short of joining the BJP as no clear assurance was given to him.