Anirudh Gupta
Ferozepur, December 29
In an apparent move to prove a point to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP’s fomer ally in Punjab, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch his party’s campaign from Akali stronghold Ferozepur on January 5. The seat is represented by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal in the Lok Sabha.
Also, the BJP and its new partners, the Punjab Lok Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt), intend to make national security as one of the key poll planks. This is why Ferozepur, located a few kilometres from the India-Pakistan border, has been chosen for the big event.
Sources said the PM was expected to make important announcements to woo the voters, particularly the farmers, who earlier this month returned home after a year-long stir at Delhi’s borders.
Former minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, who joined the saffron party recently, said there was much enthusiasm among the BJP’s rank and file. “PM Modi has always delivered on his promises. He will be welcomed with open arms,” he observed. Preparations have begun for PM’s visit. Senior BJP leaders Saudan Singh, national vice-president, Punjab president Ashwani Sharma and state general secretary Subhash Sharma, are camping in the town.
PM Modi to launch campaign from Akali stronghold Ferozepur
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