For Shah rally, BJP workers wary of mobilising support

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 21

The Bharatiya Janata Party, now out of the government, is under pressure to mobilise cadre for party national president Amit Shah’s rally on June 23.

Immediately after state president Ravinder Raina’s press conference on Wednesday, a meeting of the office-bearers was held and jobs assigned to all village, mandal, block and district presidents to mobilise cadre for making the rally a success.

Sources said party workers, who are disgruntled with the BJP leaders’ conduct while in the government, were in no mood to follow the party diktat.

Admitting the fact, former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta said there might be such reservations among the workers.

“There could be some disappointment among some leaders and workers at this time, and it is obvious too. My term was a shortlived one and I had felt such dissatisfaction also,” said Gupta.

“It (BJP) will now repeat the old rhetoric of highlighting Shyama Prasad Mookerjee’s martyrdom and a renewed demand to abolish Article 370 which public will not buy this time,” said a party worker wishing not to be named.

After a dismal performance in the government, the BJP has been drawing a lot of flak from the people of Jammu.

“After the pullout, celebrations and distribution of sweets outside the houses of some BJP ministers have given sufficient hints about people’s disdain towards the party. This could be a warning signal. We don’t want to take a risk,” said another party leader.