Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 19: BJP has decided to transform 'Nava Karnataka Parivartana Rath Yatra' which it had proposed to launch on November 1, into an electioneering tour. As the party wants Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi, and party national president, Amit Shah, to take part in the inaugural, the party has decided to delay the start of the Yatra from November 1 to November 2.

In the past, the party had planned to begin the Rath yatra on November 1, which happens to be 'Karntataka Rajyotsava' day and end the road show on January 15, 2018. BJP, which has before it the mission of reaching the magic figure of 150 seats in the assembly, plans to rely heavily on the oratory skills of Narendra Modi and planning skills of Amit Shah. Therefore, it is gathered that the party is trying hard to see that Modi addresses rallies at least at 25 places during the Yatra, while they want Amit Shah to speak at 50 points.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

It is almost certain that Modi and Shah will participate in both the inaugural and valedictory function of the Yatra. The state leaders want the presence of at least one of them during rallies at district headquarters. They are busy working out schedules of the PM and Shah in consultation with the party's national office at New Delhi. Sources said that once their schedule is finalized, the party will draw up the route of the Yatra to cover old Mysuru, coast, Malnad region, Hyderabad Karnataka and Mumbai Karnataka areas

The proposed Rath Yatra, which will conclude during the middle of January next year, will touch all the 224 assembly constituencies in the state. In all the constituencies, conventions named 'Navashakti Samavesha' are planned, in which PM and Amit Shah besides some union ministers and national leaders of the party will participate. Efforts are also to bring L K Advani for these congregations, it is gathered.

leader of the opposition in the assembly, Jagadish Shettar, opposition leader in the council, K S Eshwarappa, and state office bearers of the parry will accompany Yeddyurappa all through the Yatra. MPs, MLAs, MLCs etc from local constituencies have been told that it is mandatory for them to take part in rallies being organized in their respective areas. The party believes that the Yatra will prove to be a shot in the arm for the party's plan to secure not less than 150 seats in the assembly.