New Delhi, June 23: In light of recent cross-voting incidents in Karnataka, the BJP has convened a crucial meeting with state leaders and organizational heads. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, a Rajya Sabha MP and in-charge of Karnataka, emphasized that this meeting is being unnecessarily escalated into a major issue, as it is part of the BJP’s regular organizational practices.
Agrawal stated that the BJP conducts review meetings after every election, referred to as “Chintan Baithak” within the organization. These meetings assess the reasons behind the party’s victories and defeats. He noted that this is neither the first occurrence nor will it be the last.
Regarding the cross-voting in Karnataka, he mentioned that the party is trying to understand the circumstances surrounding it. Some individuals may not have exercised the necessary vigilance during voting. Agrawal highlighted that the BJP governs in 22 states and has around 2,000 to 2,500 legislators. If any minor weakness is detected, the organization promptly addresses it. He stressed that it is their responsibility to rectify any small gaps within such a large organization.
On discussions about taking oaths from BJP legislators concerning cross-voting, Agrawal stated that he is unaware of such matters. He clarified that if there is a meeting proposed by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Veerendra Hegde, it is likely a routine political gathering. He reiterated that meetings among MPs and legislators are common and not unusual, asserting that “there can be no talk of taking oaths.”
Commenting on West Bengal‘s political landscape, Agrawal noted that the public has expressed their anger democratically. He attributed the party’s strength to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Home Minister Amit Shah’s strategies, and the BJP’s clear ideology. He criticized former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that the public is frustrated with her alleged arrogance and authoritarian tendencies.
Addressing the MPs leaving TMC for other parties, he stated that the BJP is not responsible for this. He explained that these leaders felt stifled within TMC and found a freer environment post-election results.
On the issue of cross-voting, Agrawal remarked that the BJP has about 2,000 legislators nationwide. In such a large organization, exceptions may occur. He likened it to a doctor treating a boil on a large body, asserting that it does not indicate the entire body is ill.
Discussing his meeting with the Karnataka BJP president, he mentioned that three MLC elections are upcoming, including those for teachers and graduates. Additionally, they discussed other electoral preparations in detail. He noted that feedback was gathered from party workers and that he plans to visit Bengaluru soon to review organizational activities.
In response to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly calling party workers “useless fellows,” Agrawal sharply criticized the remarks. He stated that such language from a national president reflects the discontent and contradictions within Congress. He accused the party of ongoing power struggles for the chief minister position and suggested that Kharge himself feels politically sidelined. Agrawal challenged Congress leadership to explain why there are so many “useless fellows” in their ranks. He claimed that competition among Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, and Kharge’s factions in Karnataka Congress is now publicly evident.
On the NEET exam issue, Agrawal highlighted the differences in political culture between the BJP and Congress. He noted that Prime Minister Modi adjusted his schedule to ensure students faced no inconvenience, even waiting at the airport to avoid disrupting those taking exams. In contrast, he criticized Congress for organizing political events shortly before the NEET exam, which he argued affected students’ valuable study time. He emphasized that students preparing for medical entrance exams invest years of effort, making every hour of study crucial.
Leave a Comment