BJP reviews graduates' poll defeats; state chief Ravindra Chavan to take stock of districts

Of the five Legislative Council seats, the BJP managed to retain only the Pune teachers' constituency. The party suffered a heavy defeat in the graduates' constituencies. In the Amravati teachers' constituency, ally Shiv Sena contested and won. But the loss of three graduates' seats is hurting the BJP badly.

Among these, the defeat in Nagpur is considered the party's most painful. Discussion over the loss has now begun, and it is also emerging who will be made to bear the blame.

A review of the defeat has begun. The reasons for the losses in Nagpur and Pune will be probed. The party organisation has taken a tough stance. Since the BJP lost a seat in the Chief Minister's own city, it is being speculated that the axe could fall on several office-bearers. BJP state president Ravindra Chavan has gone into action mode. He will take stock of all districts in the Nagpur and Pune divisions.

Under the Pune graduates' constituency, the districts of Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur will be reviewed. Under the Nagpur graduates' constituency, the districts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia, Wardha and Gadchiroli will be assessed.

After the graduates' defeat, district presidents, MLAs and ministers will be questioned. It is being said that resignations may be taken from some office-bearers. Chavan will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 2.

Meanwhile, the blame game over the defeat has also begun. The loss in Nagpur is a major setback for the party. In the Nagpur graduates' constituency election, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had visited rebels at their homes to placate them and had also joined the campaign. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari campaigned vigorously. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule was also active in the campaign. Despite this, the party lost in its own stronghold.

The BJP has now put the blame for the defeat on its ally. The Shinde Sena has been blamed in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Marathwada graduates' election and the Pune graduates' constituency. While reviewing the defeat, the state president will also report on the role of the Mahayuti allies. It is learnt that Chavan will place the entire analysis of the defeat before Shah.