The BJP does not see the size of a region and every election is important, says the party’s election in-charge for UT.
Nirmal Kumar Surana, in-charge of Puducherry, one of the leading electoral strategists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said in an interview that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory in the upcoming assembly elections is certain because there is a pre-Modi wave and previous Strong anti-incumbency against the Congress government. Edited excerpts:
The BJP was not a major political player in Puducherry until three or four years ago. In terms of geographical or electoral size, it is relatively less important for a national party like yours. To which place did the party leadership attach such importance that only two MPs (one Ras and one RS) were sent to Parliament?
We do not look at the geographical size of a region before delving into election work. For us, every election is important. Whether it is gram panchayat or [municipal] Corporation elections, we take our work seriously.
If you remember, in the recent Hyderabad Corporation elections, most of our top leaders campaigned, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In particular, for Puducherry, we realized that there is tremendous scope for our growth. Since it is a small union territory, we can make it another model state [Union Territory] A project on BJP rule and for our further growth.
Political opponents of AAP say that the right of the central government to appoint three MLAs of the party nominated MLAs bolsters the BJP’s ambitions. In fact, critics say that the BJP is the only party that has got three assured seats in the Puducherry Assembly. How will you respond?
Anger against the previous Congress government is such that we will not need the support of the nominated MLAs to prove their strength in the Legislative Assembly. The Congress is going to be eliminated and we will be in between 20 to 28 seats.
The Congress party has alleged that the BJP used central agencies and money-power to topple its government … This former Chief Minister V.V. Narayanasamy has a strategy to deflect his failures. He failed to fulfill the election promises and his own MLAs were worried about his future in the party. They left because they wanted their home state to develop.
In fact, until recently, his coalition partner, the DMK, was keeping a distance from the Congress. Can the former Chief Minister explain why the DMK did not participate in the recent agitation led by the Congress? He cannot blame us for the resignation of his people.
What is your party’s vision for Puducherry?
Our Prime Minister has already outlined the vision of making the Union Territory a ‘BEST’ (Business Hub, Education Hub, Spiritual Hub and Tourism Hub). Puducherry has a lot of potential for spiritual and entertainment tourism. Water sports and theme parks can be developed.
Puducherry is roughly the size of Goa. In Goa, about 30 flights fly daily. Imagine the number of tourists visiting that place. Tourism will be an area that can revive direct employment and economic activity to thousands of unemployed youth. A lot can be done in the education sector, which will also contribute to economic development. Addressing unemployment will be our main agenda.
All India NR Congress chief N. Rangasamy has been appointed as the head of the NDA here. Naturally, he will lead the election campaign. Does this mean that he will be the face of the Chief Minister?
There is no confusion about the post of Chief Minister. Mr. Rangasamy is a highly respected and an experienced politician. He will lead our alliance. But the BJP does not practice the policy of announcing the National Democratic Alliance’s chief ministerial candidate before the election. The Chief Minister will be decided by the Legislature Party.
Former Minister A. What will be the role of Namasivam?
Of course, he is our leader in Puducherry. He believes that Puducherry can flourish if similar parties rule in the Union Territory and at the Center. We will certainly use his political and administrative experience.
You are considered to be the man behind the ‘Operation Lotus’ strategy in Puducherry. There are reports that a large number of party workers from Karnataka have been camping here for the last three months.
I am an ordinary worker. Ever since I was appointed as the incharge for UT in November, I have been camping here for the last four months along with 100 party workers including ex-mayors and corporators of Karnataka.
About 30 experienced hands were given charge of constituencies in election work from my state and they are assisted by three to five persons depending on the size of the constituencies.
We have also appointed “page heads” for some constituencies. Their job is to keep in touch with 30 to 40 voters on a regular basis. [to them] BJP needs to vote
Karnataka activists, aided by local leaders, will be the point persons for the booth-level election.
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