By B S Reporter
Top poll strategist of BJP Om Mathur, who had a key role in BJP's game changing victory in 2017 Uttar Pradesh elections, has his task cut out in Chhatisgarh this time. Prime Minister Modi has entrusted him with the responsibility of staging BJP's return-to-power in the upcoming elections later this year. His rich organisational experience and strong grasping power has ushered new energy in the party's state unit. His whirlwind tour across the state is being watched closely by the ticket seekers. However, with his vast experience of being poll incharge of 8 states including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, people know that ticket will be finally distributed to winning candidates only. There are chances that the party may replace candidates on 40 percent seats to ensure the comeback. The Buckstopper.com spoke with Om Mathur on party's strategy and prospects ahead of elections.
Q. What are the issues on which BJP will contest the elections?
Om Mathur: The biggest issue in the state is corruption and deteriorating law and order situation. BJP will take these two issues on ground. We will also organise meetings of beneficiaries of central schemes in every assembly segment and Shakti Kendra. There are more than 80 crore people in the country who have been directly benefitted from Modi government's schemes.
Q. Who will be the CM face?
Om Mathur: There is a well defined system in our party. The central parliamentary board takes every decision. As of now we have not been given any directions on this. If the board decides to project someone for CM post, only then we will see.
Q. There are many senior leaders in the party who are feeling sidelined. How will you take them along?
Om Mathur: BJP is a dynamic party. Our leadership has already announced – Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. When we will seek support of people then new members will join us. It's our endeavour to give assignment to every worker and respect to seniors. I have personally met more than 50 per cent of senior leaders in the state. As my tour programme gets into way, I will meet more such people. I keep on saying office bearers to meet and respect all seniors. That is the reason why we have included all senior party workers in the core committee of district and assembly segments
Q. Will the party field new candidates or repeat old ones?
Om Mathur: I have been election incharge of 7-8 states. In almost every election, party, changes 40 percent of the candidates irrespective of being in power. I am studying each and every aspect of all the assembly seats. My priority is to give tickets only to those who have the maximum chance of winning. We will not go by the past performance of the candidate. We will have a new look, seat by seat fresh assessment and then a calculated decision. Chhatisgarh is not a state where we need to change all the faces. We will study and then field winning candidates for staging a comeback.
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