Assigned with the task of reducing factionalism with the Delhi unit of BJP, State in-charge and former BJP president Nitin Gadkari held discussions with office bearers and party MlAs on Thursday.
The meeting was to review preparations for the Delhi Assembly polls, though sources said Gadkari also had in mind the 'concerns' and 'grievances' of several senior leaders, including some MlAs. Sources said Gadkari would be meeting them individually for a better assessment of the state of affairs within the party that would ultimately decide the BJP's prospects when it goes to polls in November.
The meeting lasted for slightly over two hours and took place at Gadkari's residence. It was attended by Delhi BJP president Vijay Goel, leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly VK Malhotra and all party MlAs. Party's co-incharge of Delhi and MP Navjot Singh Sidhu was also present for a short while.
"Certain concerns were raised by some senior leaders regarding preparations for the Assembly polls. However, instead of discussing them in the open, Gadkari assured them to discuss issues individually," said a source, adding that the former president believed the MlAs would be in a 'comfortable' position discussing matters on a one-to-one basis.
When asked, Goel said Gadkari emphasised the role of MlAs during elections, though he denied discussion on factionalism within the party.
"The discussion was aimed at assessing pre-poll preparations. He (Gadkari) was apprised of various initiatives taken by the BJP to reach out to Muslims, Dalits, the rural population and youth," Goel told The Pioneer. He said similar meetings would be held with councillors of the three BJP-ruled municipal corporations.