The BJP officially launched its Lok Sabha election campaign with an impressive public meeting at Ponda, the nerve centre of the South Goa seat, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah giving a clarion call to people to vote for BJP while steering away from the controversial Mhadei statements made in Karnataka.
There was a wave of expectation that the Goa team of BJP would dwell on the Mhadei issue after WRD Minister Subash Shirodkar gave a categorical assurance to media persons. But, unfortunately, Mhadei was forgotten, nor did local ministers show the bravado to discuss it at the internal meeting with the core committee. There was no mention of the issues Goa faced as Shah put the spotlight on the achievements of the BJP government at the Centre, and the financial aid extended to the State with high-decibel sloganeering and assertive oration.
Interestingly, while the meeting was a launchpad for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the Home Minister briefly took a detour and heaped lavish praise on Sawant and his leadership. He rated Sawant at the top of the list of BJP CMs for his schemes and the overall development of the State. In doing so, he cleared the air over Sawant's leadership by endorsing it and diffusing the undercurrents and factionalism playing in the background.
The BJP government, with a brute majority, may appear a fortress from the outside, but it has been hit by an internal discord that threw an occasional web of uncertainty over the leadership. A section of the Opposition, too, has been working in tandem. Shah's statement settles the crucial leadership issue, which should do a world of good to the confidence of Sawant.
Another interesting noting of the meeting is the BJP's change in strategy vis-a-vis minorities. Shah spoke of the recent electoral success of the BJP in northeastern states in an attempt to catch the fancy of minorities. At a separate meeting with party leaders, the directives from Shah were to work together and reach out to the minority community. "No one should be left out, and leaders must strive to win the confidence of minorities" was the direction.
BJP, as part of its image-strengthening strategy, has been focussing on minorities lately. Shah
Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, a Sidri artist from Karnataka, was recently bestowed a Padma Shri award. The recipient was surprised that he responded, "I thought BJP won't hand over a Padma award to a Muslim". Recently, the PM tweeted a heart-warming message to Catholics on Easter-- "May this special occasion deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. May it inspire people to serve society and help empower the downtrodden. We remember the pious thoughts of Lord Christ on this day."
BJP started on a sound footing picking Ponda as the launchpad, an area that proved decisive in the previous Lok Sabha contest. However, the party has to remember that Shah is still answerable to Goa on the Mhadei issue whenever he chooses to visit the State.
