Shirdi, Mumbai Darshan top BJP members' bucket list

Even as a senior Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader recently stated that the national executive meet in the city would be a ‘simple' affair, some party leaders are in a mood for a vacation.

Sources in BJP claim that many politicians from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, who will be arriving in the city soon, want to tour the city, take a trip to Shirdi, and some even want to visit Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri. Members from the event's organising committee have stated that although they will provide all the assistance to the politicians, financial help will not be given to them. "Yes, we will help our counterparts who desire to go to any place, including devotional sites. We will only help them find the necessary travel agents, but other particulars will have to be completed by them.

We won't involve finances from our side," said party spokesperson Niranjan Shetty. "I got calls from many executives from the northern states, about whether anyone would be available to take them for a Mumbai Darshan. Apart from this there are many who also want to go to Ganpatipule," said a member from the organising committee of the national executive meet.

An enquiry desk has been set up at the Y B Chavan auditorium, and party members will be provided assistance with train and flight schedules, nearby places and other travel information. The information desk, according to a party source, has been placed on orders from the Delhi HQ.
"We have a travel desk that will help the members who do not have confirmed return tickets. We are not booking tickets for any tour to any devotional places," said party chief Raj Purohit.

While a Mumbai Darshan is on the wish list of many, the top spot is Shirdi. "Shirdi is one of the biggest attractions. It's like going to the south and not visiting Tirupati temple," said a party member justifying the wish of his party leaders.u00a0

National meet
The national executive is scheduled for May 24, at the Y B Chavan centre, and on May 25 the party will hold a public rally at Kamgar Maidan.