PM to go on campaign blitz as BJP looks to retain power

Having deployed the "collective leadership" stratagem in Madhya Pradesh to override anti-incumbency against the state government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and oratory to breathe life into the party's electoral campaign and retain power in the state in the November 17 elections.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

According to party functionaries, Modi will hold 14 rallies in the state, starting with an address in Ratlam on Saturday. Over the course of the next few weeks, Modi is expected to hold rallies in Seoni, Khandwa, Sidhi, Morena, Damoh, Guna, Satna, Chhatarpur, Neemuch, Barwani, Betul, Shahganj and Jhabua.

The party's electoral theme "Modi Ke Mann Mein MP" (MP close to Modi's heart) and the slogan "Phir Is Baar BJP Sarkar" (BJP government once more) have been designed to keep the focus on the Prime Minister and draw attention away from the "disinterest and detachment" with state leaders, party functionaries said.