BJP sets 20 per cent growth in Jharkhand by September

Ranchi, Jun 18 (UNI) Terming the Babulal Marandi-episode a closed chapter in Jharkhand, the BJP today announced to launch a massive membership drive setting a target of at least 20 per cent increase from June 20 in the state.

The state BJP unit today held a special meeting which was attended by all district presidents, senior members, besides party's national secretary and MP Rajendra Singh Rana.

The meeting assumed significance in the wake of the resignation of Mr Marandi last month from BJP's preliminary membership as he was also an active member of the Sangh Parivar.

However, putting up a brave face, Mr Rana told UNI on the sidelines of the meeting that the BJP is a cadre-based party and hence no individual could emerge as bigger than the party.

After the meeting, the BJP told a press conference that the party would now focus on launching a membership drive with maximum caution about entry of fake members and people with criminal background.

State BJP president Yadunath Pande said the drive would be completed by September and committees would be formed in all districts and block levels the next month.

The party informed that it would try to enhance the membership growth by 20 per cent from its present strength of 4,65,723 in the state.

The meeting made threadbare discussion about the startegy to be adopted, Mr Rana said asserting that Mr Marandi should not be a factor to worry about for that was a closed chapter now.

UNI PRS BA RD RL KN1633