Uttar Pradesh is amongst some the worst-hit states by this pandemic, with dead bodies appearing on the banks of Ganges.
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a meeting last evening of the BJP and its ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to discuss the impact of the Covid crisis on the image of the party and its fallout on state polls next year.
Before the BJP faces elections next year in states including Uttar Pradesh, sources said, the meeting in Delhi may lead to important decisions on the organization and the government in an attempt to undo the damage.
The presence of BJP chief JP Nadda, RSS leader Dattatreya Hosbole and Uttar Pradesh’s organizational in-charge Sunil Bansal in the meeting reflects deep worry “at the highest level” of the BJP and the RSS over the impact of the pandemic on public perceptions.
The saffron party is concerned about the public perception of its governement and the fierce criticism being directed at the Prime Minister over the deadly second surge of Covid, which caught the country off guard and exposed the ill-preparedness of its health system, with oxygen, medicines, hospitals beds and vaccines falling short.
Uttar Pradesh is amongst some the worst-hit states by this pandemic, with dead bodies appearing on the banks of Ganges bringing bad repute for the government globally.
Smarting the criticism that the BJP leaders were not seen in action helping people fight this pandemic, the party urged its workers to dedicate themselves to serve and visibly so.
In a letter to all BJP-ruled states, Mr Nadda said all functions to mark seven years of the Narendra Modi government be avoided on May 30. “Party workers should dedicate themselves in the service of the society,” he recommended instead, and said people must be thanked for giving the BJP a chance to serve for seven years.
“Standing by children who have lost both parents and providing them every support for their safe future is also our social responsibility…The idea is that all BJP-ruled states launch the programme together when the BJP-led government at the Centre completes seven years,” he wrote.
The top leadership of the right wing party has asked workers to arrange medicines, hospital beds, oxygen supplies in government hospitals — the country’s medical system has suffered a severe paucity of these resources in recent months.
The BJP president’s letter aslo reminded workers of its motto, ‘Seva Hi Sangathan’ (Service is organisation).
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
