BJP expects further split in Congress

8220;We still feel that she is no more a vote-catcher. Political developments in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka were able to get her elected to the Lok Sabha. The votes polled in favour of Sushma Swaraj at Bellary were a pointer that the foreigner8217; issue was relevent even today. Sushma received 70 per cent more than the votes polled in all the Assembly segments in Bellary,8221; he claimed.

8220;We still feel she Sonia cannot occupy the topmost post in the country. Our party will strongly oppose the concept of a foreigner occupying the topmost post. But we do not object to her becoming a Lok Sabha member or Congress president,8221; he said.

He said the Congress did not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections despite her children rallying behind her. He added that he expected a race for leadership in the Congress at the Congress Parliamentary Party CPP meeting in Delhi.

8220;All of them who disliked our governance at the Centre were cut to size by the electorate. They have all lost their seats,8221; he said.

To a question on whether the party planned to change the State leadership, he said there was no question, proposal or agenda in that direction. 8220;Yediyurappa is still the State unit leader and will continue to be in that position. On the matter of BJP Legislature Party leader, the decision will be taken only after the government is formed in the State. We will hold a review meeting on the party8217;s performance in the elections,8221; he said.

He said meetings of party office-bearers and legislators were held to congratulate and also determine the reasons for the party8217;s poor performance. 8220;A meeting will be held on October 17 and 18 to discuss these issues threadbare,8221; he added.

To another question on the factors resulting in the party receiving a drubbing at the hustings, he said the main reason was the last-minute alliance with the Janata Dal, against which the BJP fought during its rule. 8220;We once stood against the policies of the Janata Dal Government and in the last minute, as elections approached, came together. The votes polled in favour of the Congress were anti-establishment,8221; he said.

He said the party was aware of the lesson taught by the people. 8220;There was no need to talk about it now. The alliance will continue, he said, asked whether the party wished to continue its tie-up with the Janata Dal.

8220;We feel we could have done better in a triangular contest. The BJP is not yet strong enough to have a hands-down victory in a straight fight,8221; he added.