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BJP spent nearly Rs 15 crore on Modi’s Vikas Rally in Rohini
The Bharatiya Janata Party spent nearly Rs 15 crore on Modi’s Sunday rally, according to conservative estimates. The ‘vikas rally’ was attended by nearly 1.5 lakh people.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spent nearly Rs 15 crore on Narendra Modi’s Sunday rally, according to conservative estimates.
The massive rally, the expanse of which overwhelmed even the BJP’s poster boy, was held to introduce the party’s prime ministerial candidate to the national Capital as well get the much-need mileage for the faction-ridden party unit in Delhi.
The ‘vikas rally’ was attended by nearly 1.5 lakh people and was one of the biggest public rallies Delhi has witnessed in recent years.
According to party insiders, a huge sum of money was spent on publicity and to mobilise people to make the rally successful. A large number of hoardings were put up along every major road and crossing across the city and FM radio channels played out jingles every few minutes.
“Transport was another big head. Apart from 5,000-odd buses that brought people from every nook and corner of the city, a special helicopter was arranged for Modi ji to transport him to the venue from the airport and back. A fleet of private cars was also arranged,” said a party leader, requesting anonymity. “Close to Rs 1 crore was spent on transportation.”
Over `50 lakh was spent on water-proof pandal to accommodate more than one lakh people, seating arrangement for the leaders, dignitaries and general public, a big stage with flower arrangement, sound system and LED screens, a source said.
“The funding was partly through sponsors, party workers and supporters. They managed everything on their own. Everyone wanted to do their bit,” said a senior party leader.
Inauspicious?
While senior party leaders are busy patting their backs on the “successful” rally, some party workers are not happy with the timing of the rally. Party ticket seekers feel that by the time of polling the people would forget about Modi and the rally will not help them get votes.
Some also pointed out that it was not an auspicious period for holding such meetings. “In 2008, Malhotraji’s was declared party’s CM candidate during Shraadh and we lost the elections,” said another leader.
