The BJP will set the tone for its campaign for the 2019 general election with its two-day National Council meet on Friday and Saturday at New Delhi’s Ramlila Grounds, to be attended by a record 12,000 delegates and party workers.

According to Rajya Sabha MP and BJP’s media cell chief, Anil Baluni, the size and scale of the meeting is going to be big and intensive. “Over 12,000 karyakartas will be present at the meeting, with party chief Amit Shah making the inaugural address and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be present throughout on those two days, giving the valedictory address,” said Mr. Baluni.

‘Cadre upbeat’

Sources in the party indicated that the main aim of the event so close to the general election was to accord “clarity” to party workers and leaders on campaign messaging. “There was some demoralisation of cadre after the loss in the three States, but the passing of the 124th Constitution Amendment Bill giving 10% reservation to economically weaker sections among general category has filled the party with utsah (optimism),” said a senior general secretary in the BJP.

Two resolutions, one on political issues and another on the economy, are likely to be passed at the Council meeting. The 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill granting 10% reservation in government jobs for economically weaker sections in the general category will be an important part of the political resolution which will seek to highlight the Modi government’s achievements in the sphere of social sector and social justice.

All national executive members, BJP MPs and MLAs, party office-bearers at the national and State level, morcha chiefs, chairpersons of local body boards and corporations and even district presidents are to be present in New Delhi. “Training schedules will be drawn up for karyakartas and reporting by States will also be done at the meeting,” said a source.

“This meeting will set the tone for the BJP’s campaign for 2019,” said a senior office-bearer.