To mark one year in power, BJP plans week-long publicity blitzkrieg

The BJP plans a publicity blitzkrieg to market the year-old NDA government as “dedicated to the poor” during a week-long anniversary bash, in a bid to turn the tables on the Opposition that has run a clamorous campaign calling the Narendra Modi administration “pro-corporate”, sources said.

The BJP plans a publicity blitzkrieg to market the year-old NDA government as “dedicated to the poor” during a week-long anniversary bash, in a bid to turn the tables on the Opposition that has run a clamorous campaign calling the Narendra Modi administration “pro-corporate”, sources said.

Senior ministers and BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday briefed party spokespersons from across the country on the steps taken by the government in the last twelve months for the welfare of the poor and asked them to take the message to the grassroots.

“Indira Gandhi spoke about poverty alleviation but did not take measures to achieve it. Rajiv Gandhi spoke about pilferage of funds but did not plug the leaks. Spokespersons were told how the Modi government has not only announced pro-poor schemes but even taken steps to ensure the benefits reach the right people,” BJP secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Shah asked the army of party workers to hit the streets and tout the government’s accomplishments, while finance minister Arun Jaitley told BJP’s media managers at a workshop to highlight India’s “growth story” and expose the Congress that he said was trying to stall this by blocking reform legislations.

Naye Bharat Ki Mazboot Neev (strong foundations of a new India) and Saal Ek, Shuruaat Anek (one year, many initiatives) have been suggested as catchphrases for the anniversary programme.

Sources said the party plans to address more than 200 rallies during the weeklong Jan Kalyan Parva, or Public Welfare Ceremony, that the BJP will observe between May 26 and May 31 to highlight central schemes.