BJP plans media management training for newly elected MLAs

To ensure that the newly elected lawmakers do not make “controversial statements” while speaking to the media, the BJP has mulled to train its leaders in the coming days where they will be asked to honour the party line under any circumstances.

“Of late, some leaders veered off the party line and made some unnecessary remarks. We are planning to call them and advise accordingly,” a party source told The Tribune.

Notably, even BJP national general secretary BL Santosh had recently reminded the MLAs to stay within party discipline and refrain from off-the-cuff remarks. Sources within the BJP revealed that the new MLAs would require training to “deal with the media” in a better way and improve their communication skills.

The push for training comes in the wake of controversial statements made by three newly elected BJP MLAs. Mohan Bisht, who triumphed in Mustafabad, sparked a stir when he suggested renaming the constituency to “Shiv Vihar” or “Shiv Puri”, citing concerns over the name ‘Mustafa’.

“People are worried about the name ‘Mustafa’. So, this work has to be done,” he said, adding that, “Why can’t the area where Hindus are living be named ‘Shiv Puri’ or ‘Shiv Vihar’ instead of Mustafabad?”

Similarly, Karnail Singh, who defeated AAP leader Satyender Jain in Shakur Basti, said no such things as “Waqf” would remain in Delhi. “Sanatanis had promised that the thing called ‘Waqf’ would not remain in Delhi,” he said.

He also stated his intention to transform Delhi into “Indraprastha”, connecting it to its cultural roots. “Arvind Kejriwal used to say he will make Delhi akin to London and Paris, I am saying that I will turn Delhi into ‘Indraprastha’, back to its cultural roots,” he clarified.

Another BJP leader, who won with a narrow margin of less than 1,000 votes, claimed that he “saved democracy”. These remarks, seen as unnecessary by the party, have led to discussions about the need for better media management training.

A BJP source said after Prime Minister Modi’s return, a meeting would be held with all newly elected MLAs, where media training will be provided to ensure better communication and alignment with party principles.

Party to hold meetings to discuss organisational matters

Following its victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP is set to hold a series of meetings on Wednesday to discuss organisational matters and express gratitude to its workers and supporters who played a significant role in the party’s success.

A party source revealed that the meeting will be held from 11 am to 5 pm at the state party office. It will be presided over by Ritu Raj Sinha, national secretary of the BJP. The gathering will include representatives from various committees, including the Jan Sampark Committee and Chunnav Prabandh Committee, among others.

“The meetings will largely focus on greetings and extending gratitude to those who actively participated in the party’s initiatives,” the source said. No specific agenda has been set for the gathering as the focus will be on appreciation and recognition.

National vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, along with Delhi MPs, will also attend the meeting.