BJP in election mode, plans Vikas Yatra for Raje

Jaipur, Aug 30 (UNI) With Assembly elections a little more than a year away, the ruling BJP's poll plank this time will be development which Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is expected to focus on during the upcoming Vikas Yatra in the state.

The Vikas Yatra, announced by state BJP party incharge Gopinath Munde yesterday, will be on the lines of the Parivartan Yatra which Ms Raje undertook in early 2003.

The Parivartan Yatra was a landmark achievement for her at that time, who broke new ground by sweeping a record 120 seats out of the total 200. She interacted with the villagers, went into interior areas , especially the tribal belt, and fartook meals with them to increase contact.

BJP's overwhelming majority in 2003 elections was a apparent paradox for the analysts as there was not much resentment against the outgoing Congress government.

BJP sources say one of the main reasons for the party's electoral win was due to Parivartan Yatra, ''which broke the barrier'' between the royalty and the commonman.'' This time too the BJP is keen to use Ms Raje's charisma through the Vikas Yatra, which will focus on the development and progress made in the last five years.

Party spokesman Kailash Nath Bhatt told UNI that the action plan for the Yatra is yet to be finalised and the dates also.

''Yes, it is for the run-up to the elections. And would be akin to Parivartan Yatra where Ms Raje would meet villagers from all walks of life and would highlight the achievements of this government in the last five years,'' he said.

UNI