Upbeat BJP sees chance to bounce back in Hindi belt
-
22/06/2008
-
Indian Express (New Delhi)
Rajeev Khanna Dehradun : The BJP has embarked upon a special programme to regain its hold over the Hindi belt. The party is galvanising its cadres in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Senior party leader and Rajya Sabha member Kalraj Mishra told The Indian Express that an exercise has been undertaken to identify the voters at the block levels and to hold voter sammelans. The party has also started organising training camps for its workers so that they can convey the party message to the people. Mishra is of the opinion that it is essential for the party to come up with a strong performance in the Hindi belt. "We are all set to increase our seats, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. People have realised that the BJP is the only alternative force in the Centre and it just requires a bit of effort from the party to regain power,' Mishra sad. "We want to hold rallies in all Lok Sabha constituencies before the process of election starts. To begin with, a rally of party's prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani has been scheduled at Kanpur on June 27. The BJP is also in the process of deciding its candidates for the Lok Sabha elections and the exercise will be completed by the end of July,' he added. According to Mishra, the BJP would fight the coming general elections on the issues of inflation, internal security and the attempt of the UPA Government to divide the minorities by implementing the Sachar committee recommendations. He said, "By focusing only on Muslims while implementing the recommendations of the Sachar committee, the UPA Government has divided even the minorities. We oppose reservation on the basis of religion. We are for the upliftment of all poor and backward communities.' The BJP will also focus on three-pronged faith issue which is being reflected in its stand on Ram Mandir, Ram Sethu and Ganga issues. "All three issues are related to our faith and we will continue with our commitment towards them. The NDA is sure to come back to power in the coming elections and we will proceed on these issues in consensus with our allies.'