{ Arun Jaitley } Yesterday, Narendra Modi addressed five rallies in Punjab. Accompanying him were the Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and the State BJP President Kamal Sharma. Each of these rallies was extremely well attended. The enthusiasm at the rallies, coupled with large attendance, was a give way. The Modi’s visit to Punjab is a game changer.
The most significant section where the Modi appeal is clearly visible is the youth. His ability to charge up and motivate the younger generation has been most evident. In an environment of disillusionment with governance, he appears to have become a nucleus of hope.
Even amongst those who did not attend rally were seen analyzing the political impact of his visit to each of the constituencies. The mind space of Amritsar was entirely consumed at the Modi’s visit. He seemed to be inspiring a certain degree of confidence in the people that he is capable of delivering what he promises. Practitioners of aspirational politics have, therefore, put their weight behind him.
General V.K. Singh in Amritsar
Today, amongst a series of programmes that have been planned for my campaign, an important one is a large gathering of ex-servicemen to be addressed by former Chief of the Army Staff, General V.K.Singh. There is already a visible activity amongst a large number of officers of the Armed Forces who have already become active in the organization of this function. Ex-servicemen are aggrieved by the fact that notwithstanding the promise of implementing ‘one rank one pension’. The notification giving effect to the announcement has not been issued. Additionally, a weak need policy of the UPA on the national security adversely impacts the mind set of those who hold national security as the priority issue. The geopolitical realities compel us to analyze that any future aggression may see the buildup of Pakistan and China axis. Our defence purchases and preparedness have seriously suffered. Under A.K. Antony, the Raksha Mantralya has been virtually rudderless and without direction.
******
**Arun Jaitley Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha )
