Modi opens BJP strategy meet for future state polls

Use cultural nationalism, cadre told ◗ MR MODI also asked BJP leaders to maintain a direct connect with border villagers and said these should be developed as places that draw visitors

Noting that the motto of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” can’t be achieved without the inclusion of cultural nationalism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday suggested that more events like the ongoing “Kashi Tamil Sangamam” be organised to connect India’s various regions through their specific culture, art, tradition, language, music and food.

Mr Modi, who inaugurated the two-day-long meet of the BJP’s national office-bearers, state unit chiefs and organizational secretaries at the party headquarters after casting his vote in Gujarat in the morning for the Assembly polls, also referred to India’s presidency of the G-20, which he said was a “matter of pride for all citizens” and a chance to establish globally Indianness and its culture. The PM also talked about dynasty politics and India’s economic growth despite difficult periods.

Mr Modi, who has often attacked the BJP’s opponents for promoting dynastic politics, said it was like a disease for democracy and one of the reasons for corruption.

Mr Modi also asked the BJP leaders to maintain a direct connect with border villagers and said these should be developed as places that draw visitors.

Briefing the media on the meeting, former Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh said Mr Modi had said “sneh milan” events, an idea he first suggested during the party’s national executive meeting in Hyderabad, should be promoted for cultural exchanges like the ongoing Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in his parliamentary constituency. The PM also told the gathering that there was acknowledgement worldwide of the country’s emergence as an economic power amid global challenges like the Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The two-day meeting, chaired by BJP president J.P. Nadda, will discuss various topical issues and also the coming polls in various states, said Mr Singh. The BJP leadership will also deliberate on further strengthening its presence at booths. The BJP leaders will also strategise for the coming Assembly polls and deliberate over various ongoing organisational activities.