New In-Charges Bring Fresh Tensions for BJP

1. Inactive leaders face serious warnings; sitting in chairs will no longer be tolerated
2. Hyderabad must be left behind — ground-level work is now mandatory
3. State leaders and district presidents face sharp dissatisfaction over performance
4. Warning: Failure to deliver will cost positions

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The arrival of new in-charges has sharply raised the temperature within the Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party. What was once a relatively relaxed atmosphere has given way to a new sense of urgency and accountability. Party circles are abuzz with reports that the newly appointed in-charges have issued serious warnings to state leaders, making it clear that the old ways of functioning will no longer be accepted. From now on, a different set of standards will apply.

In their first major meeting itself, the new in-charges expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of several leaders and issued stern directives. Party sources indicate that sharp comments were made to the effect that there is no place for leaders who do not work. Those who accepted positions must deliver results, the in-charges stressed. Merely sitting in air-conditioned rooms will not bring the party to power. These hard-hitting remarks have unsettled state leaders, district presidents and other functionaries.

With the next Assembly elections still roughly two years away, the national leadership of the BJP is believed to be pushing for organisational reforms and a fresh strategic approach in Telangana. The recent state office-bearers’ meeting, where the performance of leaders came under intense scrutiny, has only heightened the tension among the older set of leaders following the arrival of the new in-charges.

Sitting idly will no longer work

The national leadership has appointed Sunil Bansal as the in-charge of Telangana BJP affairs, with Abhay Patil and Rekha Sharma as co-in-charges. Madhukar has been named the organisational in-charge for the state, while Dasharath has been appointed as co-prabhari. These appointments are already well known within party circles.

A recent meeting held at the state headquarters as part of “Mission Telangana” turned particularly heated. Chaired by state BJP president Ramchander Rao, the meeting was attended by co-in-charge Abhay Patil, state office-bearers, district presidents and several other in-charges. While issues such as the Graduate MLC elections and the Khairatabad by-election were on the agenda, sources say internal organisational matters dominated the discussions.

Leaders faced a barrage of questions about their performance. Simply having secured positions and then clinging to their chairs would not be acceptable, they were told. Securing posts through recommendations was not enough; leaders must explain what they have done for the party and what they plan to do going forward. Serious concern was also expressed over the fact that some individuals who lacked even active membership had been given positions. 

Leaders were bluntly asked whether they had come only to enjoy the perks of office. The firm warning that “until now it was one account; from tomorrow it will be another” left many leaders visibly uncomfortable, according to party discussions.

Money must be returned

Particularly serious were the remarks directed at certain leaders who allegedly pocketed funds meant for election expenses of municipal candidates in the past. Co-in-charge Abhay Patil is reported to have taken a stern view of the matter. Party sources say he warned that those who withheld money that should have been given to candidates would face strict action, including the possibility of criminal cases if necessary. The funds must be returned, and there would be no leniency, he is said to have emphasised. This has created considerable anxiety among the leaders concerned, who are now discussing among themselves whether and how to return the money, and what the consequences might be.

The issue had earlier come to the notice of the national leadership. Its re-emergence in the latest meeting has left the leaders involved deeply unsettled. Those who had hoped Abhay Patil would move on have found that the national leadership has instead reposed continued responsibility in him, leaving them uncertain about their next steps.

Leaders must stay in the districts

Organisational in-charge Madhukar is also reported to have been equally forthright. He reportedly criticised the poor performance of some district presidents to their faces. Sitting in the air-conditioned rooms of the party office in Hyderabad would not strengthen the organisation, he is said to have told them. Leaders were directed not to remain in Hyderabad. Nearly 90 per cent of leaders were spending their time in the city while neglecting villages, districts, constituencies and the responsibilities assigned to them, Madhukar expressed dissatisfaction.

Leaders were told to remain in their districts and constituencies and work among the people. They must address local problems, highlight government failures and take up struggles in their respective areas. Moving among karyakartas and strengthening the party from the booth level upwards is essential if the BJP is to come to power, he stressed. A clear warning was also issued that those who fail to perform will lose their positions.

The new in-charges’ firm approach has injected a fresh sense of seriousness into the Telangana BJP. With organisational changes and a push for ground-level activism, the party’s state unit is entering a phase of stricter accountability. Leaders who have grown accustomed to a more comfortable style of functioning now face the clear message that results, not positions, will determine their future in the organisation.