Modi features prominently across the posters, including those on social media, along with the party’s lotus symbol, and the tagline,
—the BJP’s core message. None of the state leaders are on these posters.
After the setback in the Lok Sabha elections in June, the BJP played down the PM’s presence during the campaigning ahead of the Haryana assembly elections in October. He addressed only four rallies in the state. Therefore, the move to project him as the face of the party in Jharkhand is being seen in political circles as a reflection of the BJP’s growing confidence in the results.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, senior Jharkhand BJP leader Sunil Kumar said, “We have an undisputed leadership in PM Modi and we are proud of that so naturally we will showcase him as far as elections are concerned.”
The BJP leader said that since the party is not in power in the state, it’s highlighting the work done by the Modi government at the Centre.
“Chehro ki kami nahi hai BJP ko (There’s no dearth of faces in BJP). We have senior leaders such as (former CM) Arjun Munda ji, (former CM) Champai Soren ji, (BJP state chief ) Babulal Marandi ji, and (Union minister) Annapurna Devi ji. But the party has taken a decision to conduct these elections under a collective leadership. We are not in power and hence there is no CM. This is why the latest posters only focus on PM Modi,” he added.
The PM has also held mega roadshows and rallies in Jharkhand. On Sunday, he took part in a 3-km roadshow in Ranchi, with thousands of people lining along the route to catch a glimpse of him.
According to a Jharkhand BJP functionary, the party is trying to win Jharkhand using the same strategy as Chhattisgarh and Odisha and, hence, it is fighting the polls using a central face instead of a local face.
“The entire world believes in Modi ji’s guarantee. This is why the posters are showcasing him and the work done under him,” he added.
