Post farmers' stir, BJP focuses on urban seats

Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

Despite repealing the three farm laws, the BJP, which is leading an alliance with the SAD (Sanyukt) and Punjab Lok Congress, continues to face resistance in the rural areas. The party, using the RSS’ organisational muscle, is now focussing on Hindu-majority urban seats and rural pockets.

Getting support

There are people who may not like BJP, but they certainly like Modi. We are getting calls from people who have vowed to rally behind us. — Subhash Sharma, BJP State Gen Secy

For almost 15 months, the BJP leaders faced hostility from farmers’ unions as its leaders were prevented from carrying out party activities.

The hostility in villages seems to be still present as was visible during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Ferozepur on January 5. It has come as a setback for the party’s electoral prospects at a time when it is looking to create a momentum by bringing leaders from other parties into the BJP fold. However, BJP leaders feel the stalling of PM’s cavalcade will help them electorally. The party seems to have understood its priorities well as it has been mainly focusing on seats where Hindus have a sizeable population.

The RSS also seems to have mobilised its cadre on the ground. Daily reports are being sought on 12 points from the sangh workers. The party may leave a large portion of rural seats to its allies.