JDU to make harmony main plank in elections

PATNA: The JD (U) is getting into poll mode through its 'Sankalp' (pledge) rallies, by activating and energizing its workers to make them fighting fit. The party leaders have called upon them to fight the political rivals and frustrate their designs. Of the 12 Sankalp rallies planned by the party, two have already been held - at Purnia on Sunday and at Motihari on December 7.

The theme of these rallies is calling upon people to maintain communal and social amity at any cost, apart from taking a pledge to put pressure on the Centre for grant of special category status to Bihar. The event is also providing a platform to its leaders to attack the BJP and its PM pick Narendra Modi. Sensing the aggressive posture of BJP and Modi towards the JD (U) and Nitish Kumar, the party has decided to counter the BJP charges and ask people to defeat the designs of communal' forces.

"We apprehend that BJP will create social disturbance in an attempt to polarize the society," said state JD (U) president Bashistha Narain Singh and added, "Through our party forums, we will tell people the reality and counter BJP's propaganda."

JD (U) leader Sanjay Jha said the main concern of the party is to maintain social harmony 'even if we have to sacrifice our lives'. During the last few months, some unfortunate incidents of social and communal tension and clashes occurred which had not happened during the major part of Nitish Kumar regime. "If there is no peace, development will take a backstage," he added.

Meanwhile, the schedule of Sankalp rallies, announced last month, has undergone some changes. Now, the next rally will be held at Muzaffarpur on December 21, at Darbhanga on December 28, at Gaya, Kaimur and Bhagalpur on January 19, 25 and 29, respectively, at Gopalganj on February 1, at Lakhisarai on February 2, at Saharsa on February 6, at Begusarai on February 12 and at Fatuha on February 16.

State party chief Singh said all the organisational districts will be covered by these 12 rallies. He said, "This is our big exercise to reach the entire population of the state and convey our message to them. It has nothing political, but is social and economical in nature for the benefit of society. We are not asking for support or vote, but only urging the people to maintain harmony and cement it further for building a new Bihar."

The CM, who has attended the two rallies held so far, is expected to address the remaining 10 rallies. He is also stressing on secularism in his speech, and it is expected that JD (U) will make secularism and social harmony its main poll planks.

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