In a day long session at Shimla on Monday, State BJP leaders, sitting MLAs and 23 new candidates gave their first-hand feedback to the BJP leadership on the poll performance in 68 constituencies. Party leaders are confident to get more than two-third majority and did not rule out possibilities of seeking support of the potential rebels, if required.
Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal claimed that BJP can get more than two-third majority on its own. He believes that party rebels can create problem on six to seven constituencies. Incidentally, while only two candidates, including a sitting MLA, admitted that they may not win, most others claimed that they will be elected maybe by narrow margins.
The meeting, however, saw the party leaders presenting an optimistic note to dispel fear about reversals or losses due to the presence of large number of rebels and Himachal Lokhit Party (HLP) being in the fray.
However, some candidates admitted raised the issue of faulty ticket distribution even as Kangra, where maximum rebels are contesting the polls, remained under focus. Insiders said a main purpose of the meeting was to read the mood of the party officer bearers and draw a strategy to woo the rebels and some of the disgruntled party MLAs and ministers -especially those loyal to Shanta Kumar. Dhumal denied having received complaint about sabotage during the polls.
State party president Satpal Singh Satti said that feedback of candidates was taken and the issue of resumption of the membership drive was discussed at the meeting. He also said doors of the party were open to all, including rebels who had contested the elections.
