Union Minister Nitin Gadkari made a rather unconventional statement on Friday, revealing his decision to abstain from campaigning for himself in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Speaking at the inauguration of National Highway projects in Washim, Gadkari stated that he will not put up banners or posters, nor will he offer tea to voters, firmly asserting that “those who have to vote will vote and those who do not will not.” He also declared his commitment to refraining from accepting bribes and preventing any attempts at bribery during the election.
This declaration by the Nagpur MP comes as India gears up for the next Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled for next year. Additionally, the terms of at least ten State Assemblies are set to end around the same time as the general elections.
Currently, Assembly elections in five states, namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Mizoram, and Chhattisgarh, are slated to take place by the end of this year. Furthermore, polls in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Jharkhand are likely to coincide with the Lok Sabha elections.
In a parallel development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections. BJP National President JP Nadda convened a significant meeting with party general secretaries to discuss various aspects of the elections. The meeting encompassed a wide range of topics, including block panchayat elections, urban local bodies, the ongoing sewa saptah pakhawada (service week), the party’s call centers, and various political matters.
During this crucial gathering, sources indicate that JP Nadda sought insights from all national general secretaries on strategies for the impending assembly elections. He outlined a blueprint for the party’s approach and also discussed the appointment of coordinators for these elections.
One noteworthy point of discussion during the meeting was the planned rallies in the five states where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the public. These rallies are expected to play a significant role in the party’s election campaign and are part of their broader strategy to connect with voters and convey the BJP’s vision and agenda.
Nitin Gadkari’s unconventional decision not to campaign for himself in the Lok Sabha election has garnered attention and stirred discussions within the political sphere. While election campaigns are a common practice in Indian politics, Gadkari’s stance underscores his belief in the power of voters’ choices and may set a unique precedent for other politicians.
As the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections draw closer, political parties like the BJP are actively strategizing and mobilizing resources to secure electoral victories. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the future governance and direction of the country, making them a focal point of political discourse and action.
