Modi to lead BJP’s poll charge in state

SHILLONG, Jan 27: A desperate but determined BJP, which is facing heat from rivals like TMC, is airdropping 20 star campaigners, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior cabinet colleagues Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and Nitin Gadkari to bolster the party’s poll prospects in what is turning out to be a closely contested poll.
In a bid to give teeth to its campaign, the BJP is para-trouping a number of central leaders, who will be led by the Prime Minister, to canvas for the upcoming polls.
Modi is expected to visit during the second week of February, state president Ernest Mawrie disclosed on Friday. He, however, did not confirm any date. “The date for the PM’s visit has not been fixed. But just after February 10, maybe February 11-12, the Prime Minister will address several election rallies in Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills,” Mawrie said.
He further said the party would engage high profile star campaigners such as Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and Nitin Gadkari to bolster his party’s poll prospects.
The top five leaders would be among the 20 star campaigners for the saffron party in the state for the February 27 poll, he said.
The BJP, which is eyeing to increase its bench strength in the 60-member House from just two at present, is also roping in chief ministers of other BJP-ruled states to add a dash to its campaign, Mawrie said.
According to analysts, BJP’s desperation stems from the fact that its rivals are already stealing the thunder from the saffron party in terms of hectic activities that range from rallies to press conferences, not to speak of releasing of manifesto. The fact that TMC, its avowed political rival, has stolen a march over the saffron party’s coalition partner NPP has caused some worry among party poll managers. The West Bengal-based party which is a newbie in this state has brought innovation in poll canvassing guided by hi-tech measures adopted by I-PAC, a fact which has been unheard of in the state so far.
According to sources, BJP’s lacklustre show last time compounded by inner bickerings are weighing on the minds of top leaders. Mawrie, however, sought to put up a brave front saying that internal survey report indicates that vote share will increase to 25 per cent.
According to him, BJP has the potential to win 35 seats.
BJP had contested 47 seats in the 2018 Assembly polls with a vote share of 9.7 per cent.
“We will win more seats to lead the government. We are not planning to have a coalition and work with all like-minded parties to form a corruption-free government after the polls,” BJP state president said.
Mawrie said that the party focus in the election campaign will be to bring more development if they are voted to power.
“We will have a double engine government if we are voted to power,” he said.
When asked if ILP will feature in the party manifesto, he said that the 60 MLAs had already support a resolution passed by the Assembly to implement ILP in the state.
“Now the matter is pending with the Centre. Let us wait for the decision from the Centre,” he said.