During the conference of newly-elected members of the party state council, election in-charge Kaptan Singh Solanki first announced the unopposed election of Bajpai as the new state president for the next three years. This was followed by speeches by former state presidents, MPs and other office-bearers. Former state president Om Prakash Singh asked Bajpai to “fight against external rivals and kill internal evils”. Singh said there is a section within the party which was working for its own interest and not for the party. “Bajpaiji first you remove these elements,” he said, without identifying these elements.
Singh said all past state presidents from Kalraj Msihra to Surya Pratap Shahi had will power, ability and experience and they made efforts to strengthen the party. “But they could not fight against internal evils. This problem could be removed when everyone will think about the party and not himself,” Singh said.
Party national secretary Santosh Gangwar said that the party’s performance in the past three Lok Sabha elections and past three UP Assembly elections had raised questions over party organisation. He said ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, leaders should first evaluate the work they have done so far in their districts and constituencies.
National secretary Varun Gandhi appealed to Bajpai to make himself approachable to every person. Varun said, “We currently have 10 MPs only. If we have to win 40-50 seats, we need to help old party workers in their needs, like medical treatment and marriage of their daughters.” He said there will be “a wave against Samajwadi Party” in UP before the Lok Sabha elections and the workers are needed to get ready to cash in on that situation.
Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath said that people in villages were in favour of the BJP but the party was not able to capitalise on their support during elections. “Leaders are required to establish a strong organisation. The sun will rise and lotus will blossom when every worker will think for the party only,” he said, and asked Bajpai to strengthen the party and entertain complaints of every party worker.