The BJP chief Amit Shah’s much publicised `farmer’s convention’ held two days ago in Tadepalligudem of West Godavari district, was said to be a `flop show’ and many party leaders were disappointed in the casual way it was organized. Even, Amit Shah was also reportedly disappointed with the poor response to his public meeting. Observers says that it failed to attract more number of farmers or even to catch their attention in the state by addressing their concerns.

Due to faction-ridden Andhra Pradesh unit of BJP, the convention has exposed it weaknesses with several prominent leaders remained as silent spectators, leaving `burden’ of mobilising farmers to few leaders, who do not have much gross-root exposure. The selection of venue itself was believed to become an issue of contention among party leaders.

As Amit Shah had addressed his first ever public meeting in the state at Rajahmundry, some eight months age, many leaders in the party are questioning on the rational behind selecting Tadepalligudem, just 50 kms away to that place. It naturally ceases enthusiasm among party workers of two Godavari districts, who had worked hard to mobilise large number last time, said a senior party leader.

According to party sources the total number of people attended Tadepalligudem meeting were hardly touched 15,000. “It certainly a shameful number for a meeting addressing by the national president of a ruling party at the center”, observed a party sources.

Moreover, party sources are wondering on selecting Tadepalligudem, a known business center, for organizing a farmers convention. They felt had it been a place like Vijayawada or Guntur or Bhimavaram, which are known for pro-active farmers, the meeting would have attracted much more response.