Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 12: The Sangh Parivar, which had mostly remained neutral during the previous assembly election in 2013, has geared up to support BJP this time around. BJP too is heavily relying on the leadership of Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) this time, and RSS leaders are involved with election preparations, holding of meetings, drawing of strategy etc.

BJP is determined to bag most of the assembly seats in the twin districts. Party leadership is facing problem in finalizing candidates in constituencies other than Sullia, Karkala, Kundapur and Bantwal, as there are multiple aspirants in each of the constituencies. Lists of aspirants have been sent to the state BJP committee, and the BJP high command will finalize the candidates in consultation with RSS leaders, it is said.

RSS strongman Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat

RSS functionaries have been given the responsibilities of working as organizing secretaries at all levels including the BJP central committee.

RSS, which does not give publicity to its meetings, has already held coordination meetings in 13 constituencies of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Leaders of Hindu outfits like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagran Vedike participated in them. Each of the constituencies has been entrusted to a team of about 60 young volunteers. These teams will be given training before the election.

The workers have been told to concentrate on booths as per the wishes of BJP national president, Amit Shah. The activists have been told that they should visit voters and request them to vote for the lotus symbol, irrespective of who is chosen as candidate for constituencies the party.