New Delhi: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Murli Manohar Joshi on Sunday said the party’s ticket distribution could have been “better” and it should have had some Muslim candidates.
“The Muslim vote in Uttar Pradesh went in favour of the Congress. If some tickets were given to Muslims it would have been better,” said Joshi, who was elected from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat on Saturday.
“Our campaign could not reach the masses. We are going to discuss in meetings with state level leaders and scrutinise where we went wrong."
Joshi, who was Human Resources Minister in the National Democratic Alliance government, said the party's election campaign had "perhaps" failed to reach the grassroots level and attract the common man.
Joshi said BJP leader L K Advani's decision to step down as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and accept responsibility for the BJP's electoral debacle must not be seen “negatively”.
"If Advaniji says anything he says it in the interest of party members. He is the most experienced leader in the party. This cannot be criticised if he has taken the responsibility for the loss," said Joshi.
" Advaniji is the most important and senior-most leader. He takes decisions after due consideration. He is setting a good example," said Joshi.
Asked if he wanted the Leader of Opposition's post, Joshi said: "I am not in any race. But if I am given any responsibility by the party, I do not shy away. I am a humble BJP worker and will do as my party bids."
Joshi rejected allegations that Pilibhit MP Varun Gandhi's alleged communal speeches affected the party's all round performance,
"Don't drag him (Varun) into this. He did not affect votes outside Uttar Pradesh," said Joshi.
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