Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to return to Punjab on May 30, Thursday, to address a rally at Hoshiarpur, as part of his ongoing campaign for the Lok Sabha Elections-2024. His visit comes days after he addressed three rallies in the state, aimed at galvanizing support for the BJP ahead of the crucial elections, scheduled for June 1.
With the election campaign for Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats ending at 5 pm on May 30 and voting scheduled for June 1, BJP leaders believe that PM Modi's presence will be pivotal in swaying undecided voters. The saffron party is pulling out all the stops, hoping to leverage Modi's influence and charisma to consolidate support.
Earlier, on May 23 and 24, Modi had embarked on a whirlwind tour of Punjab, addressing rallies in Patiala, Gurdaspur, and Jalandhar. These rallies were part of a broader strategy to bolster the BJP's presence and counter the influence of rival parties in the State.
In Hoshiarpur, Modi will be campaigning for first-timer Anita Som Prakash, the wife of Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash. The choice of Anita Som Prakash is seen as a strategic move, given her husband's significant influence and the BJP's historical stronghold in the region.
The Hoshiarpur constituency, traditionally a BJP bastion, encompasses four key legislative assembly segments — Dasuya, Mukerian, Phagwara, and Hoshiarpur. The BJP's internal surveys suggest a favourable outcome for the party, owing to the work and reputation of Som Prakash, bolstering their confidence in retaining the seat.
Preparations for PM Modi's rally in Hoshiarpur are in full swing with BJP leaders and workers mobilizing support, organizing logistics, and ensuring a significant turnout. The rally is expected to draw large crowds. Modi's visit is expected to have a considerable impact on the electoral dynamics in Punjab. His ability to connect with the masses and articulate the BJP's vision can potentially unify the voter base, especially among the Hindu community, which plays a crucial role in the state's electoral outcomes.
In her first electoral contest, Anita Som Parkash is facing Congress’ Yamini Gomar, former Akali Minister Sohan Singh Thandal, and sitting MLA Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal as AAP candidate.
UP CM Yogi to address rally in Mohali on May 30
In a strategic move to boost the BJP's campaign momentum in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to address a rally in Mohali on May 30 (Thursday). The rally is a part of BJP’s broader effort to consolidate support among the migrant labour population, a significant voter base in the industrial belt of the district.
Mohali, with its substantial number of voters from the Hindi heartland employed in its industrial sector, is a critical area for the BJP. The party has traditionally enjoyed strong support among the migrant labour population here. By bringing in Yogi, a popular leader known for his governance in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP aims to solidify this support and galvanize the electorate.
Initially, Punjab BJP had planned a series of high-profile events featuring Yogi in key cities such as Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Batala, all areas with significant migrant populations. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Ludhiana rally was cancelled at the last moment.
Notably, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar had formally invited Yogi to campaign for the party in the state. In his letter, Jakhar highlighted Yogi's governance track record and popularity, emphasizing that his presence would significantly enhance the BJP's campaign.
“We hope that Yogi’s rally will not only draw large crowds but also translate into electoral gains by reinforcing the party's commitment to addressing the needs of the migrant community,” said a senior BJP leader. Preparations for Yogi’s rally in Mohali are underway, with BJP leaders and volunteers working to ensure a significant turnout.