Bandobast behind the bandh

MiD DAY gets you a ringside view of the preparations that went behind the BJP's show of strength

MiD DAY gets you a ringside view of the preparations that went behind the BJP's show of strength

While you already have an idea whether the opposition's Bharat Bandh is headed for roaring success or is doomed to fail, no one can take away anything from the meticulous planning that has gone into organising this great Indian roadshow. On Sunday, MiD DAY went behind the scenes to meet BJP leaders and get a ringside view of what goes into preventing a Bandh from going bust.


An appeal of Bharat Bandh by BJP being displayed at a roundabout in
New delhi on Sunday. PIC/RAJEEV TYAGI

Delhi being the national capital, the state BJP has planned the bandh with extra care.
"The city has been divided into around 250 zones. Each zone or mandal has its leader. They will assemble at a key point in that particular area and start the protest," said a BJP leader who wished not to be named.

"The Delhi protest will have a nationwide impact. So, we will try to make it most successful," added the leader. Essential services like milk, water, hospitals are exempt from participation in the bandh, he said.

Over a thousand workers were working night and day for the past week or so to chalk out a winning strategy. Newly elected Delhi BJP chief, Vijender Gupta was also burning his midnight oil to make the event a success as

MACE MANIA

The BJP workers have devised different ways protest. Around 500 BJP workers will March in Dwarka taking maces (gada) in their hands. The unique way of protest has been devised by deputy mayor of MCD, Rajesh Gehlot who is also councillor of that area.u00a0

it is the first rally of this magnitude since he became Delhi BJP chief, where various central leaders are also present.

"I appeal to Delhi government not to run DTC buses. The government should also instruct the Delhi Metro to stay put. I appeal to all the Delhiities to make it successful," pleaded Gupta.

The main protest rally of the BJP will be held in the afternoon in old Delhi near Ghanta Ghar in which party president Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and NDA convenor Sharad Yadav will partake.

UN-AAHAR ON BANDH

Days after the 'JAN AAHAR KENDRAS'u00a0 meant for providing cheap food to the poor in the city were launched by Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, the city government has decided to close them on Monday in the wake of the nationwide bandh called by the BJP. "They would function normally from Tuesday onwards," said a Delhi government spokesperson.u00a0 These kendras are providing cheap food to labourers and others at Rs 15 at seven locations in the city. The service was launched barely a week ago.