The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday announced to observe ‘Kamal Deepawali’, in which party workers would encourage households in the State to light lotus-shaped earthen lamps.
While talking to media persons here, State BJP chief Rakesh Singh said, “Our party workers are making preparations for this event upto booth level.”
“Letters jointly written by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and me would be given to households urging them to celebrate Kamal Deepawali,” he added.
Denying that there was any poll code violation through these celebrations, he said, “We are not linking it with votes. We only said every household should observe this festival with lotus symbol. So I don’t think this breaches poll code in any manner.”
Asked as to what was the logic behind celebrating Diwali a fortnight after it actually takes place on Nov 7, the BJP state president justified the move saying traditionally we light lamps whenever there is an auspicious occasion around so we through why not observe this festival in the atmosphere of delight and let people bless us in the elections.
Besides, the party has decided to launch a special campaign in order to reach out to beneficiaries of various government schemes from October 29 to November 1.
Divisional, mandal and booth-level meetings are being organised in this regard," he said. "The party would seek blessings from public for 'Samriddha Madhya Pradesh during the campaign. Besides, beneficiaries will be requested to make a missed call or a Whatsapp message on a prescribed number," said Singh.
When reminded of BJP’s talks about taking care of all the sections of society so whether it justified the amendments made in SC/ST Act which have enraged the upper castes, Singh treaded cautiously dodging a clear response on the matter.
On Congress’ a query a day ahead of polls, Singh retorted saying whether Congress believes that the public has no understanding of issues. Raising questions when the state is taking rapid strides on the path of development is really deplorable, said Singh adding at present Congress existence itself was under a question mark. Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on November 28.