Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be keen to go all guns blazing ahead of the crucial polls, as party national president Amit Shah is likely to visit Odisha on January 29, informed party spokesperson Prithviraj Harichandan today.
Shah was earlier scheduled to visit the State on January 18 but it was put on hold as Shah had to postpone his visit after contracting swine flu.
Speaking on the development, Harichandan said, “The dates had to be rescheduled due to health issues. Chances are likely that he will visit on January 29. The date we know is a tentative one. However, the place of public rally will remain same. We are awaiting the confirmation of date.”
Shah’s scheduled programme in Salepur, Cuttack will mainly focus on reviewing the targets set for state leaders. Party sources have also claimed that he will share some mantras to strengthen the party’s organisation.
The BJP President was discharged on January 20 from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he was admitted after contracting swine flu.
On the other hand, preparations for the scheduled visit of AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to Bhubaneswar on January 25 are at final stages. A Special Protection Group (SPG) visited the mini stadium at Tamando area in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to oversee the security arrangements at the venue. Bhubaneswar ACP Sanjay Singh also reviewed the security arrangements at the mini stadium today.
AICC in-charge of Odisha Jitendra Singh said, “Rahul ji will attend a public rally, meet the workers of the party. A few other programmes have also been lined up during his visit. Rahul ji and his family has a long relationship with Odisha and he has a different place for the tribal and poor people of the State in his heart.”
However, BJD has stated that such visits by leaders of political parties won’t have any impact on the party.
“See, there are 100 odd days left for the general elections. So its obvious, leaders of various political parties will make frequent visits to the State to boost their chances. What's new in this? If they don't come ahead of the elections, will they come after the polls? These visits are just for political campaigning. It never had any impact on BJD, nor will have in the days to come,” said BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra.