Ranchi: Following BJP's debacle in the just-concluded assembly election, the saffron party hinted at a change in the post of the state party president, which is currently with Babulal Marandi, by February next year. Though BJP's Jharkhand affairs in charge Laxmikant Vajpayee did not specify, it is unlikely that Marandi would be retained for the post. In the middle of assembly polls, BJP also installed a working president — Ravindra Kumar Rai.
Having widely understood that BJP was routed in the assembly election under Marandi's watch, the leadership could fix accountability and seek a new face to hand over the reins for the party's revival and rejuvenation. The tenure of the state party president is usually three years but Vajpayee, who was in Ranchi to attend the party's two-day meet to review its poll performance, dropped enough hints that a fresh leader is likely brought in.
Speaking to reporters here after the two-day meet, Vajpayee said, "It is true that we lost the election and didn't get the results as we expected. But we have realised that BJP's acceptance and popularity have grown among the voters here. Compared to the 2019 election, we have increased our vote share, which is a positive sign. If all goes well, we are hoping that a new BJP president will be appointed by February."
Marandi, an MLA from Dhanwar, was made the state BJP president in July last year in the run-up to Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The party could not get favourable results, mainly in the tribal pockets. Out of 28 assembly seats reserved for tribals, it could only win one seat.
On the other decisions of their review meeting, Vajpayee said even though they had lost the electoral battle, the party's morale was strong and would work for the people with more vigour.
Working president Rai, who was present in the press briefing along with Vajpayee, said BJP will begin a mega membership drive. "It is expected to begin from Dec 6 or 7," he said, reiterating that BJP has increased its base in the state irrespective of the electoral losses.
"Compared to the last election, we got nine lakh more votes this time. This means, our brand of politics, concerning people and national interests, is relevant among the people here. We will work with more vigour to fight for the people's cause and play the role of a responsible opposition here," Rai added.
The state BJP unit will present its report of Sunday's meeting to the central leadership ahead of a review meet in Delhi on Dec 3.