Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called on workers of the Apna Dal, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally, to help the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secure all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. Shah’s objective is to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to return to office for a third consecutive term in 2024.
Speaking at the ‘Jan-Swabhiman Divas’ event in Lucknow, organized to commemorate the 74th birth anniversary of Apna Dal founder Sonelal Patel, Shah highlighted the successful partnership between the BJP and the Apna Dal in winning elections. He emphasized that their alliance aimed to rid Uttar Pradesh of disruptive political forces such as the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samajwadi Party.
Shah praised the dedication of Sonelal Patel, who devoted his life to advocating for the welfare of Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized sections of society. He also commended Anupriya Patel, the daughter of the party’s founder, for carrying on her father’s legacy.
The Union Home Minister further applauded the efforts of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in improving law and order in the state and attracting significant investment. He acknowledged that the current BJP-led government has prioritized the implementation of central welfare schemes for the benefit of the poor. Shah also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the backward classes, noting the inclusion of the highest number of ministers from these communities in the NDA government.
Shah credited PM Modi for enhancing India’s security and global standing amidst external threats and evolving geopolitical challenges. He emphasized the significant reduction in terrorist attacks under the current government and the strong response to any misadventure from across the border. Shah commended PM Modi for bolstering India’s reputation and ensuring the country’s safety.
The ‘Jan-Swabhiman Divas’ event was attended by several leaders of the NDA, including Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Anupriya Patel, and Sanjay Nishad, the chief of the Nishad Party.
With Shah’s call to rally support for the NDA and PM Modi’s re-election bid, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness intensified campaigning as the country gears up for the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
