BJP Intensifies Outreach for Higher Voter Turnout in Next Phase of Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ramping up its outreach efforts to increase voter turnout in the upcoming phase of elections. The party aims to surpass the turnout figures from the corresponding seats in 2019.
The BJP attributes the dip in turnout during the first phase of polls to factors such as the heatwave and voter apathy. To address these challenges, the party is relying on high-profile rallies and roadshows led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who remains the chief campaigner and attracts large crowds.
State units have also requested more rallies by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and other prominent leaders known for their oratory skills. As of last week, the PM had addressed 36 rallies and 7 roadshows, with plans to participate in at least two gatherings each day. Shah has conducted 11 roadshows, 25 public meetings, and 10 organizational meetings, while Singh has addressed over 40 rallies and public meetings.
Expulsion of Senior Leader
The BJP has expelled senior leader KS Eshwarappa for six years due to his decision to contest the Shimoga seat as an independent candidate. The party had attempted to persuade Eshwarappa to withdraw his candidacy, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Eshwarappa has been criticized for violating party lines and pushing for a ticket for his son, despite the party’s reluctance to grant tickets to relatives of leaders. Despite his expulsion, Eshwarappa claims to still support Prime Minister Modi and considers the BJP his “mother”.
Ladakh Candidate Announcement Pending
The BJP has yet to announce its candidate for the Ladakh election scheduled for May 20. While party leaders in Delhi have hinted that incumbent MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal may not be renominated, some leaders in the union territory are disappointed with this decision.
The party unit in Ladakh is divided over whether to give Namgyal a second chance. Namgyal gained popularity after his emotional speech in the Lok Sabha following the abrogation of Article 370, which earned him praise from Prime Minister Modi. However, senior party leaders believe that Namgyal was unable to effectively address the unrest in Ladakh over the demand for the implementation of Schedule VI and Article 371.
