High volt campaign for Modi's birthday to boost public confidence in BJP

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 71st birthday is around the corner, BJP is all set to start a three-week-long campaign to distribute ration bags with his picture, 71 locations in rivers to clean, social media campaigns showcasing his life's work, the Indian Express reported.

The occasion is also the 20th anniversary of Modi's life as an administrator as he became Gujarat's chief minister on October 7, 2001.

The social media campaign, "Seva aur Samarpan Abhiyan", also includes airing videos of the pandemic vaccine drive. The plume of death and distress that enclosed the country during the pandemic is believed to have dented popular confidence in Modi and BJP expects that this campaign might reshape their narrative.

The campaign targets 14 crores 5kg ration bags, each with Modi's picture, to be distributed. BJP national general secretary Arun Singh, who oversees the entire campaign, said that wall paints might fade, but when a ration bag reaches home, the women will keep it with care, and BJP through Modi's picture will be visible everywhere.

Videos of beneficiaries thanking Modi for his help during the pandemic will be aired to signal 'Modi as messiah' of the poor.

Five crores 'Thank you Modiji' postcards will be mailed directly to the PM for his contribution towards the welfare of the poor, by mobilising people at the booth level.

In addition, seventy-one spots are to be identified in rivers to clean up as Modi turns 71.

Meetings and seminars are planned to be conducted at district and state levels on Modi's life work, involving prominent people from different walks of life. Noted writers would comment on his governance in vernacular media.

A registration drive for eligible children who lost their parents to the pandemic will be conducted and will be covered under the PM-CARES scheme. Also, a public mobilisation towards bidding for mementos Modi has received will take place.

All these programmes are in addition to the usual events party workers organise during Modi's birthdays, including blood donation camps, health check-ups and food distribution to old age homes.

As the three week period includes Mahatma Gandhi's and Deen Dayal Upadhyay's birthdays, party workers are instructed to do "constructive activities" to boost public confidence in BJP.