Arun Jaitley holds a press conference after the BJP Parliamentary review meet on the Bihar debacle ends.


Jaitley said the senior leadership in the party had met to discuss and debate the reasons behind the Bihar loss and believes that the alliance unity (the coming together of the JD-U, RJD and the Congress to form the Mahagathbandhan) was the biggest cause. "After detailed analysis we've observed that vote transferability of the Grand Alliance was quite good and had a major impact on the Bihar elections," he said. 


He said that the party does not t believe that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark on quota was the reason and the Alliance's campaign on the quota issue was incorrect. "Our stand on reservation is clear. RSS also thinks on that line. We've accepted the concept of reservation based on social consideration, that's also the stand of the RSS and there should be no cause for confusion," Jaitley said.


Jaitley was quick to shield Narendra Modi from blame, saying when it comes to accountability in a election, a party collectively wins or loses elections.


When asked if the BJP would act against divisive leaders and the fringe in the BJP, Jaitley says it wasn't discussed.


He said the BJP accepts the challenge and will work as a strong Opposition in Bihar and promised to abide by its commitment on aid. "The Centre will offer all help for the development of Bihar. We hope the new govt in Bihar will deliver as well," he said.