New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address over 20 rallies in poll-bound West Bengal, where assembly elections will be held in eight phases starting 27 March.
Furthermore, the PM is likely to address five-six public rallies in Assam, which will see a three-phase election.
“He is our campaigner-in-chief. Rallies by PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will create a conducive atmosphere for the BJP. We had asked for around 30 rallies but are confident that he (PM) will surely address 20 rallies at least,” said senior BJP leader and former state president of West Bengal BJP Rahul Sinha.
The PM had addressed around 12 rallies during the Bihar assembly elections last year, held in three phases.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people and they are looking forward to these rallies by the honourable PM. Our preparations are in place and we hope to cover maximum number of assembly constituencies through these rallies,” added Sinha.
According to a party leader who didn’t wish to be named, Shah and BJP president J.P. Nadda are also likely to address over 50 rallies each in West Bengal. Shah has been actively involved in the poll preparation in West Bengal and flagged off the “poriborton” rallies in the state.
In its rallies and yatras, the BJP is highlighting the failures of the Mamata Banerjee government apart from focusing on the “alternative” that it is offering.
Also read: EC extends polling time by 30 minutes for first phase of West Bengal elections
Plans for PM’s first rally
According to a senior party functionary, for PM Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade ground in Kolkata on 7 March, the BJP has set a target of getting a crowd of at least 10 lakh.
For this, the party has already started conducting a door-to-door campaign requesting people to attend PM’s first rally since elections were announced.
The state unit has already planned to hold 1,500 rallies in the state, which will be addressed by senior party leaders, union ministers and chief ministers.
“For the 7 March rally, the state unit has also directed the booth-level workers to ensure the attendance of voters from their booth in the upcoming rally,” said the first leader quoted above.
The BJP wants to send out a strong message with the first rally of PM Modi by ensuring greater public participation. State unit president Dilip Ghosh and senior leader Kailash Vijayvargiya have both visited the parade brigade.
The party has already deputed 22 senior leader leaders to supervise around 100-odd assembly constituencies that can play a significant role in its victory.
The BJP has been making inroads in the state following an impressive Lok Sabha performance and wants to continue the winning streak after the Bihar assembly elections.
Also read: Mamata’s Trinamool to live up to its theme of ‘Bengal’s daughter’, plans to field 30-35% women