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'India's best era is coming': Modi sounds poll bugle for 2024 general elections

BJP is no longer merely a political movement but a social movement, says PM

bjp-natl-exec-meet BJP leaders at the party's national executive meet in Delhi | Sanjay Ahlawat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the roadmap for the BJP as a busy election schedule awaits the party this year, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Modi’s message was twofold—reach out to the people of the country to build an inclusive nation, and make that connect work in party's favour in the general elections.

Modi’s direction came during the party’s two-day national executive meeting in Delhi which ended with an extension of tenure of party president J.P. Nadda till June, 2024, by when the new Union government would have been sworn in. The continuity in Nadda’s tenure would mean that BJP will continue with its programmes, with an eye on polls. Elections to nine states, including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland, will be held this year.

With an eye on the 2024 elections, the prime minister said people in the 18-25 age group have not witnessed the political history of India and are not aware of the corruption and wrong doings that took place under the previous governments. “So, they need to be made aware. Let them know about the good governance and how the country has been transformed with good governance."

Modi’s speech usually comes at the end of the national executive and acts as a guidance for the party leaders. 

“It was an inspirational speech, guiding us towards the future. The prime minister said India's best era is coming and we should dedicate ourselves to its development. We should not spare any effort in achieving that goal,”  Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, briefing the media about Modi’s speech at the BJP meet. “He said we should convert this amrit kaal into kartavya kaal (era of duty).”

“The BJP is no longer merely a political movement but a social movement; one that is working to transform socio-economic conditions in the country," Modi told the gathering.

The PM asked the party to begin a 'BJP Jodo' programme to connect with all people. “We should aim to build relationship with all sections of the society with sensitivity. We have reached all sections, but remove any gaps. We should not only focus on votes, but also building the society. We have to change nation and society.”

“It was not a speech by a politician, but a statesman,” Fadnavis said referring to Modi’s address. 

Modi asked his party workers to engage with people in border areas and aspirational districts, and work to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. 

Modi also brought focus on environment and climate change and asked the party to work on these issues to make farming sustainable and eco-friendly.   

While Modi did not focus much on upcoming elections, discussions were held on elections and means to strengthen party organisation and hold as many programmes as possible. 

The BJP passed socio-economic and political resolutions, and held a  discussion on G20. The BJP workers have been asked to connect the society as the country hosts over 200 G20-related events over 50 places. “It is an opportunity to connect the society and showcase India’s progress and its rich heritage as delegates from not only the elite bloc of 20 leading economies but also many multilateral bodies like IMF will visit the country,” a party leader said. 

The BJP hit out at the opposition for running negative campaigns against Modi.

Looks like the party has already sounded the poll bugle for 2024 general elections. 

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