Expand party, says PM Modi as BJP eyes West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked BJP workers to strengthen and expand the party with the motto of ‘nation first’ as it set its eyes on the elections to five states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Addressing the first meeting of the BJP’s new set of national office-bearers after JP Nadda became party chief, Modi said the party’s mission was to work for the country and its development.

A resolution adopted at the day-long meeting lauded the initiatives of the Modi government such as the Svamitva scheme, new education policy, “comprehensive and all inclusive budget”, merger of 10 public sector banks and handling of the stand-off with China.

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“India’s position has been clear on the situation that has developed with China. India will not let any expansionist strategy succeed on its borders,” the BJP resolution said. It noted that the elections in the Bihar Assembly, J&K’s district development council and Hyderabad municipal corporation were proof of rising confidence of the people in the leadership of the BJP and Modi.

It expressed the resolve to work towards forming a “full-majority” government in West Bengal, retain power in Assam and emerge as a political alternative in Kerala. The BJP also expressed confidence in retaining power in Tamil Nadu along with its coalition partner AIADMK and a clutch of smaller outfits and was gung-ho about Puducherry.

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“No election is small or insignificant for the party. Even elections in Puducherry are a matter of pride for the NDA,” the BJP resolution said, adding that the people of the Union Territory were keen to replace the “anti-people Congress government”.

With farmers’ issue dominating the political narrative, the BJP also outlined plans to unite people in far-flung areas through farmer producer organisation, the national nutrition mission and the Van Dhan scheme aimed at tribals.