Sakshi Maharaj blames UP unit for bypoll loss

Seven out of 10 seats — all bagged by BJP in 2012 — went to the SP in the bypolls. The seats had fallen vacant after the election of BJP MLAs to Lok Sabha.

“Obviously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not responsible for the party’s poor show as byelections are held between the ruling party of the state and other opposition parties,” Maharaj told The Indian Express.

Maharaj also raised a question over selection of candidates, saying they were recommended by local influential leaders and that the latter should be taken to task.

“Those who recommended the candidates should be questioned and their role in campaigning and poll management should also be looked into,” said Maharaj.

“Those responsible for ticket distribution and election management should be held responsible for such poll results,” he said.

While BJP state president Laxmikant Bajpai was not available for comment, state spokesperson Chandra Mohan said the party leadership will look into the statement of Sakshi Maharaj.