Bhubaneswar: Expecting a sharp attack on the BJD government by BJP national party president Amit Shah during the State visit scheduled on November 25, activists of the State unit of the saffron party today launched preparations for Shah’s tour.
A rally of BJP activists and leaders holding placards and shouting slogans from the party’s State headquarters in Bhubaneswar marched in the city. Members of the BJP Mahila Morcha also organised a scooter procession in the State capital.
Besides, large size posters and hoardings have been erected at strategic places of the city describing the failure of the BJD government and Shah’s tour programme.
Talking to newsmen here, Basant Panda, BJP State president, said, “BJP has been fighting to safeguard the interest of the people of Odisha and will continue to do so. Therefore, BJP is holding the Jana Jagaran Maha Samabesh in the State with a purpose to awaken the people and inform them. Besides, Amit Shah’s visit will encourage party activists in the State to work better.”
Citing examples of Shah’s Bihar visit before polls in the State and the election results, Amar Prasad Satapathy, BJD spokesperson, said, “Everyone knows what happened in Bihar poll despite the BJP president’s visit. Apart from this, he visits places across the country. So nothing special about his Odisha tour on November 25.”
Satapathy further stated, “He (Shah) might talk in favour of BJP as the president of the saffron party. However, he will definitely realise what is the current situation in the State.”
Also read: Odisha BJP upbeat about Amit Shah's visit
Political pundits believe the saffron party president might not lambast Naveen and his government during his visit to the State.
K Ravi, a political analyst, opined, “Keeping the recent meeting between the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister in New Delhi and Patnaik’s praise for demonetisation, Amit Shah might make mild criticism of the BJD government.”
Ravi added, “However, as per the complaint paper announced by the Odisha BJP saying there is no development in the State, Shah might speak in that direction.”