Eying to return to power in the Centre after a decade, the BJP has cautioned its State unit leaders against ‘over-enthusiasm’. In a recent directive, the Central leadership has asked its State unit spokespersons and panelists for TV debates to be careful while speaking on party affairs so as to avoid any embarrassment to the party. A meeting of Delhi BJP spokespersons and 15 panelists in this regard was convened by national spokesperson Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday.
The Delhi BJP panelists who have been authorised to participate in debates include the State unit president, vice-presidents and senior leaders like Dr Harsh Vardhan, Vijender Gupta, Arti Mehra, Vijay Jolly, Pravesh Verma and Sanjay Kaul among others.
Well-placed sources said the instructions have been issued by BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi who is also the head of BJP’s campaign committee for the lok Sabha polls slated for April-May this year. In the meeting, sources said, the spokespersons and other leaders were told about the dos and don’ts while discussing the party affairs or party’s policies and agenda on a wide range of issues. “The spokespersons and panelists have been instructed not to deviate from the party line. There should be symmetry on the versions given by various leaders with respect to party matters and policies. The central leadership has also made it clear that not all leaders will be participating on TV debates. For sake of clarity and avoid confusion, the panelists will be required to cross-check from official spokespersons the party’s stand on various subjects,” said a BJP leader who attended the meeting at BJP headquarters at Ashoka Road on Wednesday evening. Sources said the panelists can only participate in TV debate but would be prohibited from giving reaction outside the TV studio.
A leader said the exercise aims at strengthening BJP’s propaganda machinery ahead of the General Elections to take on the Congress-led UPA Government and its leaders on media discussions and debates.
The party also plans to train these panelists on effective handling of media queries as well as putting forth the party’s vision and agenda for the elections more effectively. “The idea is to minimise any possible damage or embarrassment to the party as a result of any miscommunication at the crucial time of elections. The move will ensure that proper image of party is upheld in the public eye,” he said.