BJP to contest by-polls on development plank

Zafar Alam Khan | Bhopal
www.absoluteindianews.com
The crucial by-elections on over two dozen assembly constituencies in the State have not yet been announced but the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has started preparations for them. In the process the saffron party has started virtual conferences to discuss party’s sway in prominent areas including the most challenging sixteen seats of Gwalior-Chambal region, where Rajya Sabha member Jyotiraditya Scindia has the biggest stake.
BJP said the party would fight the elections on the issue of development and give a befitting reply to the Congress’ fake propaganda. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan while addressing a virtual meeting attended by top party leaders at the state head office on Sunday said, “We will put forth development issues before the public during the by-polls. BJP made a good start but later, several leaders got infected with Corona. This has affected our poll preparedness. Now we have less time, so we will study and plan accordingly in the areas where the by-elections are to be held.” The meeting on Sunday was attended by state party chief VD Sharma, organising general secretary, Suhas Bhagat, union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, national vice-president, Prabhat Jha and Scindia among others.
In-charge of assembly seats, convener and district office-bearers of the constituencies also participated. Reacting over Congress allegations on delay in the by-polls, Chouhan said that BJP is ready to face by-polls any day. “The Congress blame on the BJP for delay in the bypolls are baseless. The elections are decided by the Election Commission. BJP has no role to play in finalising the dates. We are ready to face the by-polls any day,” he said. Chouhan further said that the state government will distribute ration to 37 lakh poor people in the month of September. Referring to the street vendor scheme for shoppers affected during the Corona period, he said that our government is concerned about every section.
“We have worked for small, poor people and every section. We will publicise these development works among the public. The Congress leaders are trying to discredit our leaders and together we will give them a befitting reply,” he added.
Earlier, on Saturday, BJP leaders discussed party strategy in Morena district while, on Sunday meeting, the main issue was how to plan and launch poll campaigns in Bhander, Mehgaon, Gohas, Gwalior, Gwalior East and Dabra constituencies. Rajya Sabha member Scindia said that BJP will strongly respond to the Congress’ vicious political campaign. “We have to stress on bringing the voting percentage high. It’s important to keep caution in view of the Corona pandemic but at the same time we need to ensure our presence among the public,” he suggested.
Scindia also called upon to prepare programs keeping social distancing on priority and ensure participation in programs like inauguration and foundation stone laying. “We need to reply to the Congress’s propaganda on social media and media. Congress has betrayed the public and lied. We will expose the old party,” he added.
During discussions, State president VD Sharma said that party leaders should followup the instructions and the suggestions made by the senior leaders during the meetings. He said BJP has always been ahead in the implementation of welfare schemes. Union minister Tomar said that the by-polls were crucial.
He said the party will have to plan a strategy to with the by-poll and strengthen the existing state government in the state. “The foundation stone of the irrigation dam being built in Ratangarh will be laid soon. The dam will benefit the farmers Dabra, Pichor, Gohad and Mehgaon. We are working to bring water from the Chambal river to Gwalior and will achieve success,” said Tomar. BJP national vice-president Jha said synergy among the workers is most important. We have to follow one language, one mantra and then the opposition will be defeated easily. We will plan and win also the seats of Chambal- Gwalior region, said Jha.