BJP sees ABVP win as victory of nationalism

NEW DELHI: BJP perceived ABVP’s victory in DUSU polls as a victory of nationalism. The party also said this third consecutive win was a statement on the Narendra Modi government’s development and youth-oriented policies. BJP was optimistic of ABVP scripting history in JNUSU polls as well.
BJP chief Amit Shah tweeted, “Congrats to ABVP. #DUSU verdict is triumph of nationalism. Youth have reposed their faith in constructive politics.”
Referring to the JNU incident, BJP said that the youth had rejected divisive politics and those who supported “anti-national activities at JNU”.“This is a victory of nationalist forces. The youth of Delhi have made it clear that they will not support anti-national activities,” said Satish Upadhyay, Delhi BJP chief.
Unlike last year, it was a direct fight between ABVP and NSUI, as the AAP-backed CYSS had decided not to contest this year. BJP said the results showed Congress’s failure to gain ground in the city after its rout in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. “Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi went to JNU to support the anti-national activities there. This hasn’t gone down well with people, especially with the youth, which is committed towards building a strong nation,” said Upadhyay.
The party is hopeful of scripting history in the JNU elections. “The Left groups have united for the first time in JNU to oppose ABVP. We are hopeful of a positive outcome in JNU,” said Ramesh Bidhuri, BJP MP from south Delhi.
BJP identified nationalism as a key factor in the DUSU election. “Development work by the Modi government has been the underlying factor in ABVP’s victory in DUSU for the past two years,” said Bidhuri.
Even though NSUI bagged a seat this time, BJP said the present situation was in its favour. Also, it hit out at AAP for focusing on Punjab. “They pulled out of DUSU elections out of fear of losing it. AAP doesn’t want to lose any election before the Punjab polls as it would badly affect the party. Though Kejriwal and his party promised to work for Delhi, their focus is now on Punjab,” said R P Singh, national secretary, BJP.
The win has boosted BJP’s morale as it prepares for a challenging municipal elections in Delhi next year. BJP has been in power in the three civic bodies for over nine years and would have to work hard to counter anti-incumbency.
However, party members said the DUSU poll result wasn’t a referendum on the Delhi government but it surely indicated the mood of the capital. With AAP mired in controversies of all kinds and the Congress struggling to make a comeback, BJP believes the DUSU poll results are just the beginning of the complete washout of the two rival parties.
“These results will set the direction of politics in Delhi. Now onwards, BJP will win all the polls in the city. Congress and AAP will be wiped out,” said Vijender Gupta, leader of opposition in Delhi assembly.