New Delhi : After reaching a near saturation point in the Hindi heartland, the RSS and BJP are looking for widening their horizons. Giving a push to expansion plans, RSS joint general secretary and pointsman for the BJP, Krishna Gopal held a long session with the party MPs hailing from the border and coastal areas late Tuesday night.
The meeting was aimed at collecting feedback from legislators about the problems faced by people in these sensitive areas, their sense of alienation, reaction about the Modi government’s initiatives and organisational plans for the future. Ministers of the central government also joined the meeting to explain the efforts of Modi government. Though 90 were invited only about sixty five members could attend the brainstorming.
BJP MP from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang expressed concern over the ‘hyperactive’ stance of China in his area. Chhewang explained how China was building infrastructure close to the borders while its mobiles were functional all over the Indian side. He stressed that India should not show ‘fear’ by not building roads and infrastructure in the area.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said he shared the members concern. Rijiju is a BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh and was at the forefront in slamming the UPA government for its China policy. A senior party MP from West Bengal said the aim was not to slam the neighbouring countries but find ways to instill confidence in our people.
Functionaries of RSS affiliates Seema Kalyan Samiti and Saagar Bharati said terror and security issues were a cause of concern in border and coastal areas. There was need to step up development works in these areas to reduce alienation and boost confidence among the people, the RSS functionaries concluded.
Smita Mishra
