Ludhiana, November 5
BJP national president Nitin Gadkari today made it clear that, the party would contest on the existing 23 seats in Punjab. “Last time we won 19 out of 23 seats, and this time, it would be 23 out of 23,” Gadkari said while addressing a state executive committee meeting, here today.

However, Gadkari did not comment on whether there would be any swapping of seats between the BJP and its coalition partner Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal).

“Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as well as the entire state government has ensured all round development in the state and I am 101 per cent sure that we would create history by forming the next government in Punjab,” said Gadkari.

Gadkari also warned those BJP leaders who are either opposing their party leaders or are using “other” means for getting party ticket. “I want to make one thing very clear. Party ticket would not be distributed. One would have to earn it. And one thing more, we would not give ticket on sifaarish or through a reference,” he said, adding, “There is no need to visit house of any leader because ticket would be allotted in a transparent manner. We would consult the state executive body and would also get an internal survey done. Ticket would be allotted on the basis of that because ours is a democratic party and not a private company like the Congress.”

“Look at Bihar. We allotted ticket on the basis of our survey of 102 candidates and 92 of them won. This is how our party works,” he said.

He also said that any leader who opposes party candidates would be dealt with firmly. “Till the time of allotment of party ticket, people can stake their claim for a ticket. But once the ticket has been allotted, all workers would join hands and work for the victory of the party candidate. Always remember, a CM, an MP, an MLA becomes ex one day, but a worker never becomes ‘an ex. So one should be proud to be a party worker.”

He urged the BJP workers to fight wholeheartedly for the party’s win in the upcoming Assembly elections as well as for the next Lok Sabha elections. “If we win now, then no one can stop us from winning the next Lok Sabha elections.”