BJP sets code of conduct for leaders

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, January 12

In a bid to avoid likely rebellion, the state poll aspirants, including sitting MLAs, will not stake claim for ticket at any forum in the BJP as an internal survey, conducted by the central leadership, will select candidates.

At a rare show of unity, the BJP’s former Chief Ministers PK Dhumal and Shanta Kumar dwelt on the need to choose the strongest candidates irrespective of their allegiance to any leader. They were addressing party leaders at the concluding day of the two-day state executive body meeting at Baddi today.

The “chargesheet pe charcha” programme will be held from February 1 to February 15 at mandal and district levels where allegations of corruption levelled in the chargesheet will be made public.

Setting the code of conduct, the aspirants have been directed not to air their views in the media as it could invite stringent action. Party workers will not be allowed to place banners displaying pictures, which were, at times, larger than senior leaders, without the consent of the party.

An economic resolution, enlisting the achievements of the Modi government and various Centrally sponsored schemes like IIM, AIIMS, hydro engineering college, Rs 565 crore for rail expansion, Rs 1,400 crore in the health sector, etc, was also presented by Praveen Sharma, state secretary.

Agitations will be held at various places like Nahan, Bilaspur, Dehra, Dharamsala, etc where the state government had adopted a lackadaisical approach in implementing key Central projects like IIM, hydro engineering college, medical colleges, etc.

BJP national president Amit Shah will address the second Tridev Sammelan at Kangra on January 20 while efforts will be made to organise PM’s rally after March 11 in Hamirpur and Shimla constituencies. The party’s executive parishad meeting will take place in April.

It was also decided that a vision document envisioning the party’s 10-year insight would be prepared by a panel headed by vice-president Randhir Sharma. This would serve as the party’s manifesto.

Earlier, addressing the committee, Dhumal said they should target 90 per cent seats and also put up a fight for the remaining 10 per cent.

He said the people were suffering under the corrupt Congress government and they were eager to oust it from power. He urged the leaders to strengthen booths to ensure their victory.

Earlier, addressing committee members, MP, Kangra, and former CM Shanta Kumar, said the Congress was opposing the developmental policies of the Modi-led NDA government for the sake of opposition though Modi was trying to bridge the chasm between the rich and the poor with his pro-poor policies.

He said the Congress was bereft of leadership as well as intent and it had presented itself as a weak party before the masses.

He gave a clarion call to leaders to sink their differences and work in unison to strengthen the party as well as the PM. He said PM had no personal agenda and he was committed to the people’s welfare.