Telangana, AP BJP netas get rap for laxity

New Delhi: The BJP Central leadership, which held its extended National Executive meeting here, to chart its 2019 course is learned to have pulled up the party leadership in Telangana State and AP for their "lax attitude and inappropriate response to the political challenges ahead."

The BJP leadership which is grappling with an immense challenge in the two Telugu States in taking on the ruling parties reportedly warned the leaders against their laxity. The BJP units were not even learning from the Congress which had taken a plunge into political activity to embarrass the governments.

National President of the BJP Amit Shah is said to have suggested to the leaders that they draw effective counter strategies to take on the governments.

The State units explained their piquant position due to "Central Ministers hailing the Chief Ministers on and off and how it had a demoralising effect on them, to which Amit Shah is said to have assured the leaders of course correction, if need be.

There was enough space in AP for the BJP to grow and taking up people's issues and proper campaign would greatly improve party's strength and to do this the party leaders should not hesitate, he is said to have told them.

Sources said being the ruling party ally, the BJP should not feel constrained as alliance was an electoral adjustment and strengthening the party should not be at the cost of the TDP itself. Similarly, Telangana leadership should chalk out its strategy more effectively to take on the TRS on people's issues, it was advised.

The leaders were reminded of the crucial nature of BJP's Southern Plan for the party's growth in the country and for a comfortable win in 2019 general elections.