BJP to take out Tiranga rallies

As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day next month, the BJP is all set to take out a “Tiranga Yatra” for a week to “re-inculcate” a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the people, especially among the youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked BJP legislators to host events and programmes in their respective constituencies “jisse deshbhakti ka bhawana punah prajwalit ho (which will rekindle a sense of patriotism)” to mark the event. These events, including the yatras, are likely to take place from August 15-22.

The Prime was addressing party MPs at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting where he suggested that whatever MPs do to mark the occasion, it should be “visible” and “have an impact”. Mr Modi, sources said, suggested that party leaders, instead of using four-wheelers, should opt for two-wheelers while taking out the yatra as the mode of transport is also preferred by the youth and they need to be told about the freedom struggle. In a lighter vein, he also suggested that two-wheeler drivers adhere to traffic rules and wear helmets.

Mr Modi, it was learnt, also suggested that BJP leaders should inform the youth about the many unsung heroes of India’s struggle for Independence from their areas who failed to get their deserved place in history.

While the party has made draft proposals for events that its leaders will host to mark the 70th anniversary of Independence, a final decision on these will be taken in a day or two when senior leaders, including Union ministers, will meet party president Amit Shah. Information and broadcasting minister M. Venkaiah Naidu has been put in charge of these programmes.

At the meeting, sources said, Mr Modi reiterated that though there has been a qualitative improvement in speeches and debates by party MPs, they should also conduct proper research for public discourse.