Lok Sabha Elections 2024: JP Nadda holds crucial meeting with Assam CM, regional leaders

GUWAHATI: The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national president, JP Nadda, has commenced a crucial three-day tour of the northeastern states on January 9, laying the groundwork for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

JP Nadda is scheduled to participate in the state executive meeting and core committee meeting of the Assam BJP on January 10. Arriving at Guwahati airport at night, Nadda was warmly received by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and other high-ranking party leaders.

With 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Northeast India, the BJP-led NEDA alliance, comprising 20 seats and supported by 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, holds a strategic position. The alliance includes parties such as the National People’s Party (India), Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, Asom Gana Parishad, and Naga People’s Front, among other regional allies. JP Nadda’s visit is viewed as the BJP’s prelude to the Lok Sabha elections.

Emphasising the significance of JP Nadda’s visit, senior BJP leader and MLA Diganta Kalita told The New Indian, “JP Nadda’s visit signifies a significant day for Assam. It demonstrates the BJP’s dedication to the Northeast, and we are targeting over 300 seats.” Additionally, Nadda will attend the state executive meeting and core committee meeting of Arunachal Pradesh BJP on January 11.

Meanwhile, in a strategic move ahead of the looming Lok Sabha polls, Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Tripura on January 11. Sources within the Tripura BJP have confirmed that the visit aims to invigorate the BJP’s electoral machinery and consolidate support in the northeastern state.

Nadda’s visit coincides with the Congress’s preparations for the second edition of their popular Bharat Jodo Yatra, now named Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s yatra is set to commence from Imphal on January 14, concluding on March 20 in Mumbai.

However, the Congress alleges obstruction by the Assam government in Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, with Bhupen Borah, APCC President, stating, “Rahul plans to visit Majuli Island, but the government is not granting permission.”