BJP leaders concerned over building ties with youngsters
New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instruction to Union ministers, asking them to visit schools and public universities in a bid to blunt the anger against the government and to build ties with the younger demographic, has set off concern among a section of BJP leaders who feel this renewed outreach might upset the core constituency of the party and pave the way for more groups to push for their demands through protests, said people aware of the details.
"There is a concern that the government's outreach may be setting the stage for more pressure groups to protest and take to the streets," said a party functionary, requesting anonymity.
Last week, at the Jantar Mantar, police had to use force to disburse a group of protesters seeking an end to reservation.
The PM's instruction was intended to pave the way for free wheeling conversions with the younger generation coupled with renewed outreach on social media in the wake of the protests that erupted over paper leaks.
"The PM's instruction and the steps being taken to reach out to the youth are in good faith. Debates, discussions and even protests are part of the democratic process. but the CJP protests are now appearing more political than about students issues," said the functionary. The functionary said the government had already set out to make amends by re-conducting NEET exams and taking legal action against the guilty, but the CJP put pressure for the removal of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The functionary said several party leaders had "reservations" about ministers being sent to universities, where "confrontations could be planned to derail the outreach".
"The other reason is that when the UGC guidelines were issued, there was a section of students who were up in arms about the issue. largely affiliated to the BJP, they were made to stand down" the functionary said.
A second leader said, "While it backs dialogue with genuine students and legitimate concerns, it also cautions against vested interests."...
इस लेख के रीप्रिंट को खरीदने या इस प्रकाशन का पूरा फ़ीड प्राप्त करने के लिए, कृपया
हमे संपर्क करें.