`The BJP is not pursuing the cause of a particular section of society’

BJP as reflected in the recent polls?
We assumed the reigns in the state when its coffers were empty, yet we took care to ensure that development works were not hindered. In fact, the fluid economic situation rather than politics landed us in difficult circumstances. The BJP fared well in the polls and we expect to do better in coming electoral encounters.

What are your immediate challenges as party president? And what are your plans to improve the morale of the workers?
The first major task ahead is the municipal and corporation polls, which we want to fight effectively. Responsibility has already been given to workers to ensure a better performance for the party. My priority is to strike a direct rapport between workers and the masses and built a medium so that the government’s achievements are highlighted. Effective communication at all levels is the mantra we want to follow.

Your own party leaders (Om Prakash Singh) have commented that with you, a Brahmin, as the party unit chief in the state, the social balance has been disturbed.
It is very wrong to comment that the social balance within the party is disturbed. The BJP cannot be labelled as a party pursuing the cause of a particular section of society. We are fortunate that we have representation from all sections. Otherwise, Bangaru Laxman would not have been looking after the interests of the party at the national level.

The state BJP unit is marred by infighting, with senior leaders eyeing the chair of the Chief Minister, putting the interests of the party on the backburner.
To an extent, infighting exists in all political parties and on this count, the BJP is no different. But I would like to make it clear that if there are communication gaps at certain levels which give the impression of infighting, efforts will be made to iron these out. No senior leader is pursuing individual ambition and the interests of the party are supreme.

What is the nature of prevailing politics in your perception, and how do you plan to deploy the BJP in such a scenario?
There is a pollution of politics and class, and sectarian politics are at their zenith. Add to this individual politics, and you have a downslide that has to be countered. We will have to maintain our identity and make the masses believe that we are unanimous in opinion. My election to the post has already sent a healthy message in this regard.

What is the message of Kalraj Mishra as party president to the workers?
Wake up, stand up and continue to work till the objective is achieved. At this stage, the aim is to work towards getting an absolute majority in the assembly elections next year.

How will the party’s relations with the allies be?
Relations have always been cordial, and will remain so. We talk with our allies before taking major decisions and also take their suggestions. We hope that in future electoral encounters, they will continue to co-operate with us.

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