Win or lose, BJP set for internal feud

Thiruvananthapuram: BJP may or may not open account in Kerala for the 17th Lok Sabha,  but the state unit of the party is set for an internal feud.  State President P. S. Sreedharan Pillai will be the main target.  If any candidates lose, Sreedharan Pillai will be made responsible. Even if someone wins a seat, Sreedharan Pillai's future is at stake.

A section may emerge demanding the president's post.  Despite groups, a collective move was visible in the state committee. The disgruntled groups allege that Pillai is indifferent to discussions and goes solo in decision making.

Though the central leadership was apprised of the complaint,  it had held that any decision in this regard will be taken after elections.  Though Pillai's supporters claim that he strengthened the party and led it with might during Sabarimala protests,  the allegation that Pillai's statements have affected the party badly,  is resonating loud.

The statement that the issue of Sabarimala women's entry was a golden opportunity, the shift of the protest from Sabarimala to secretariat premises, the interest he took in fixing candidates,and  communal statements made during the campaign are assessed as negative strokes for him.  RSS leadership also is unsatisfied with Pillai.

Lately, the authoritarian decision regarding blocking the national highway development is felt to have affected the party badly.  BJP's performance in the constituencies including Thrissur, Attingal and Palakkad will also fuel the feud inside the party.

The allegation that vote adjustments were made at some constituencies will also emerge stronger.  This allegation will be raised with regard to Vatakara, Kannur, Kasargode, Idukki and Kollam.