In a significant BJP meeting attended by key leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J P Nadda, the contours of the party’s election campaign for all 543 Lok Sabha seats were outlined. The discussions focused on reaching out to specific voter groups, including first-time voters, beneficiaries of government schemes, OBCs, SCs, STs, youths, and women.
Addressing over 300 party leaders, Amit Shah highlighted the achievements of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government since coming to power in 2014. Shah emphasized that the government has worked for the welfare of the poor, and India’s stature has significantly risen during the second term, with the country becoming the fifth-largest economy. Party general secretary Vinod Tawde quoted Shah, stating that the government’s efforts have been directed towards the well-being of the poor, and India’s global standing has seen substantial improvement.
Shah urged party leaders to effectively communicate the numerous successes of the government to the voters. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has rallied the country around the idea of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), and cultural nationalism has received a significant boost. These remarks come amid nationwide fervor surrounding the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The government’s commitment to making India a global power was also underscored by Shah. He called on party leaders to connect with voters, highlighting the achievements and initiatives of the government.
In his remarks, J P Nadda emphasized the need for the BJP’s expansion across the country and urged party leaders to work towards gaining seats in states where the party had limited success in the 2019 elections. Nadda indicated the party’s openness to welcoming leaders from other parties, stating that the BJP is willing to collaborate with those who want to be part of the nationalist mainstream.
Vinod Tawde, providing insights into the meeting, mentioned that party leaders made a tentative countdown to the Lok Sabha polls, expected in April-May based on the schedule of the 2019 national elections. The leaders are gearing up for an extensive outreach exercise to connect with voters, focusing on the “Gaon Chalein” campaign, where they will reach out to various voting groups in villages.
Despite the recent loss of Amit Shah’s elder sister Rajeshwariben, who passed away in Mumbai, Shah attended the meeting. Her last rites were performed in Ahmedabad in the presence of family members, including Shah.
The BJP’s strategic meetings indicate a proactive approach as the party aims for a third consecutive term in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With a favorable atmosphere, including enthusiasm around the Ram temple consecration, recent wins in assembly polls, and perceived disarray in the opposition camp, the BJP believes it is well-positioned for success in the upcoming elections.
