Nationalism will be BJP's war cry as it heads for polls

PM Narendra Modi tells party's core group to focus on nationalism and nation's interests to bring people together.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP president Amit Shah at the concluding session of party's core committee meeting of all state units in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP president Amit Shah at the concluding session of party's core committee meeting of all state units in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI

NEW DELHI: Stressing on inculcating nationalism among people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked his party men to beware of certain forces which were trying to turn people against them despite doing all the good work. He said massive programme like Tiranga Yatra has managed to bring together people against people who were trying to disturb the social harmony of the country.

Speaking during the one day workshop of the core groups of BJP’s all state and national unit, Modi added that party and his government were focused on the pro-poor measures.

Mod’s message assumes significance as the slogan of both “nationalism” and “pro-poor schemes” will be war cry when it goes to polls in all the upcoming state elections, finally culminating in the 2019 Lok Sabha battle.  PM addressed the issue in wake of recent events like unrest in Kashmir, and JNU. Though, he did not name these incidents, but his message was clear that the party need not hold itself back when it comes to issues related to nationalism and nation interests.

“We are continuously working for development but there are some elements who do not like it. They are trying to divert our and people's attention. We will have to inform the common man that our sole aim is nation building," Modi said.

To bring uniformity in the messaging that is delivered from the top, and is relayed down to the party’s smallest unit at the mandal level, BJP called the meeting of its core groups. As it was first meeting of its kinds after BJP assumed power,  the slight shift in focus being brought by BJP chief Amit Shah and Modi was visible. Shah harped on collective decision making through the core group.

As often personalities at state units define policies according to their wishes it leads to dissensions, by insisting on collective decision making through institutionalised core group meetings, Shah was aiming to bring greater uniformity.

Shah in his speech while highlighting the achievements of the party’s spread across the country, said, “We should not stop in such a situation. To move ahead it was necessary that government and organisation work in tandem; there is review of its work at regular intervals; our style of functioning adapts to change.” Shah added  there be regular meetings of the core group should be held to bring focus on dialogue, collective.

Modi also insisted on collective decision making said core groups can be catalytic agent in bring change. 

 The core group meeting which saw the participation of state presidents, general secretaries, union ministers also discussed BJP’s chances in those states where it was not in power. Discussions were held to expand the party in those states where it was either in main opposition, or still not strong.

The use of social media was also discussed to propagate government and parties policies and making leadership visible.

Shah will also meet the chief ministers of BJP ruled states on August 27.

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