Image makeover: Amit Shah to meet senior leaders twice a month

According to BJP sources, Shah will be available for leaders who were members of at least three National Executives.

Worried over a negative perception building against it, the BJP seems to have launched a mission to correct it- whether it is on controversial policy decisions, image or the functioning style of its leaders.

A day after the top leadership’s meeting with RSS leaders, in which party has been warned about the growing disconnect and demoralisation of the cadre, Shah has decided to meet senior leaders twice a month-first and third Mondays.

According to BJP sources, Shah will be available for leaders who were members of at least three National Executives. The members of previous National Executives under the leadership of Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari apart from the present one can meet the party president on these days to discuss various issues.

On Tuesday, Shah met two senior leaders, L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, members of the Margadarshak Mandal, a committee that has never met since its formation. The party, however, maintained that there was nothing “special” and Shah meet the senior leaders “regularly.”

The BJP leaders have admitted that the campaign by the opposition as well as the rights groups against the changes in Land Acquisition Bill has hurt the party’s image. “But the party will soon chalk out plans to change the perception. The perception will stay as long as facts do not come out. We will announce our programme soon,” said a senior leader. He argued that the government has already incorporated the changes suggested by partymen from across the country. “The party is satisfied and we have endorsed it,” he said adding: “But the BJP does not insist on anything… If changes are required in the interests of the country, we will see them.”

Another party leader said concerns expressed by BJP leaders on the bill will be clarified in the National Executive meeting in Bangalore.

Source:: Indian Express