Bhopal, Sept. 14 -- The BJP and Congress are headed for a fresh confrontation over students with the upcoming visits of BJP president Nitin Nabin and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who will address a 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Indore.
Nabin's visit is proposed for September 17, two days ahead of Gandhi's scheduled programme.
The BJP president is expected to interact with youths in Ujjain, Mandsaur or Indore, but the BJP has yet to announce his detailed schedule, party insiders said. Apparently, the party is seeking to keep its plans under wraps and spring a surprise on its rival Congress, they added.
"Nitin Nabin's visit to Ujjain is proposed for September 17. It will be finalised today. After that, we will update you about his programme schedule," MP BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal told reporters at the BJP office here on Monday.
He said Nabin is scheduled to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.
"It is at the final stage. After the Central leadership gives the go-ahead, we will share the detailed programme with you all," Khandelwal added.
Political observers said the BJP had initially taken Rahul Gandhi's Indore programme lightly.
"Now they have gone into a huddle and planned to counter his visit by sending Nabin. Malwa, comprising Indore, Ujjain, Mandsaur and other districts, has been a BJP stronghold. That is why the Congress has chosen the region for Rahul's visit," journalist Sanjiv Acharya told the news agency.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.