Contrasting sentiments of BJP workers at Rajnath’s rally

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 27

There were two contrasting sentiments at the rally addressed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to mark the one year of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

Inside the jam-packed public hall at the KK resorts in Jammu, while more than 1,000 party workers jostled for space amid pro-Modi slogans echoing the air, senior BJP leaders where talking among themselves about the need for the party to clear its stand on issues such as the Tawi lake project, AIIMS and settlement of West Pakistan refugees, which is becoming a choking point for the saffron party.

Although, the city observed a complete shutdown against the denial of AIIMS to the Jammu region, speakers made every effort to keep the mood charged at the rally, making scathing attack on the Congress and the National Conference (NC) for ills of the Jammu region.

Party insiders say the shutdown call given by various social and political organisations had made party leaders anxious and people had been brought in hours earlier to ensure a good turnout. A fleet of minibuses was parked outside the hall to take participants back to their places. 

“We are aware of the controversy around the lake project and AIIMS. The BJP has made a commitment to the people of the region to end discrimination against it and we support the party on the issue. People elected 25 members of the BJP to ensure Jammu gets its share,” said Darshan Sharma, a supporter.

The rally witnessed several moments when organisers and security personnel had a tough time dealing with the people who had come to hear the Home Minister.