Shift in BJP strategy after setback in polls
By Express News Service | Published: 07th April 2018 01:45 AM |
Last Updated: 07th April 2018 07:19 AM | A+A A- |
SAMBALPUR: After a series of defeats in by-polls across the country, the BJP seems to have reworked its strategy for Odisha.In a deviation from its earlier plan of Mission 120+, BJP was seen harping on a new target ‘Mission Nua Odisha’ during the youth meet of the party’s national president Amit Shah at Balangir on Thursday.The new mission found mention in BJP’s hoardings and posters put up for Shah’s youth meet. This apart, T-shirts worn by Yuva Morcha volunteers at the event, also carried the slogan ‘Mission Nua Odisha’
Political observers opined that BJP perhaps has realised that it is an uphill task to achieve the Mission 120+ due to the recent election setbacks, including the Bijepur by-poll. Sensing the mood of the electorate, the BJP leaders have now scaled down their aggressive approach and are attempting to woo the people of Odisha with the new mission. Accordingly, they have changed gear keeping in mind the upcoming General Elections in 2019.At the meet, the BJP leader was more into bashing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the ruling BJD in the State instead of revealing the party’s road map to achieve the new mission.
‘Mission Nua Odisha’ written on it
However, he could realise that abandoning Mission 120+ would demoralise party cadres and went back to maintain that BJP would win more than 120 seats in Odisha. Shah, however, chose to ignore the results of Attabira and Hindol NAC poll which were declared before he took to the stage.
The ruling BJD swept the elections to the two NACs, results of which were declared on Thursday. In Attabira NAC of Bargarh district, BJD won all 12 Wards while in Hindol NAC of Dhenkanal district, the ruling party secured 13 of the 16 Wards. The BJP and Independents managed to win one and two seats respectively of Hindol NAC.
Political observers maintained that BJP is losing popularity among the people due to its aggressive approach. The party needs to win the confidence and trust of people of Odisha by walking the extra mile and taking steps to release water in Mahanadi river, they said.
