In a strategic move ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed his Council of Ministers to draft an “actionable, measurable, and clearly defined” plan to be presented at the meeting on March 3. During the last Cabinet meeting on February 21, Modi directed his ministerial colleagues to prepare an action plan for the next 100 days.
With the Lok Sabha polls expected to be announced after March 13, he has urged them to engage in extensive consultations, including with experienced individuals such as senior bureaucrats, grassroots workers, and domain experts, before finalising their action plans, according to sources.
During the meeting, Modi tasked his ministers with outlining key initiatives and deliverables for the next 100 days, along with a comprehensive five-year roadmap. These documents, focusing on the Government’s priorities and strategies, are to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat.
Sources said Modi has instructed them and their ministries to brainstorm over the agenda for the period, which is also the likely duration before a new government takes office following the Lok Sabha elections expected in April-May.
The Prime Minister told the Cabinet that they should draw up these plans without considering who gets what ministerial positions post-elections. Sources said the prime minister wants to ensure that the government’s work continues amid the poll cycle, and his call for preparing the agenda for the next 100 days is part of such an effort.
He has also repeatedly expressed confidence in the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance retaining power at the Centre. He recently asserted that he has already begun preparing a roadmap for his third term and has received suggestions from over 15 lakh people.
During a cabinet meeting held in the first week of February, PM Modi cautioned his Cabinet Ministers against complacency, urging them to work diligently for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the favorable momentum from the consecration of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, Modi emphasised that the BJP should not underestimate the challenge. He referred to the BJP’s casual approach in the 2004 elections, highlighting the need to avoid complacency.
Earlier, at the party’s national convention at Bharat Mandapam, Modi urged party workers to dedicate themselves to engaging with new voters over the next 100 days.
“In the next 100 days, you need to connect with every new voter, reach every beneficiary, every section, every community, and every person who believes in every religion. We need to gain the trust of everyone,” Modi stated.
Emphasizing a robust return of the BJP to power, the Prime Minister said, “Today, even Opposition leaders are chanting slogans of the NDA government crossing the 400-mark. And for NDA to cross 400, BJP must surpass the milestone of 370.”
