BJP banks on star power for Delhi civic poll boost

New Delhi: Starting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sportspersons and TV stars, the Delhi BJP is aiming for a high voltage star-studded campaign in the upcoming municipal polls to be held on April 22 in the national capital. The party is planning to rope in test cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, wrestling champions Geeta and Babita Phogat, Olympian boxer Vijender Singh, actress Shweta Tiwari, film directors, and several Mumbai based talent hunters to ensure its electoral victory for the third consecutive time in the municipal polls.

Though the party is not sure whether Mr Modi will address any rally for the civic polls or not, the local leadership has decided to make a fervent request to the PM to energise its cadre at the grass roots level. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari told this newspaper that he would personally request Mr Modi to lift up the spirit of the workers by addressing them before the elections. “I will request Modi ji to address at least one rally in the city in the run up to the civic polls,” he said.

The Bhojpuri superstar-turned-politician said that several prominent personalities from diverse fields have expressed their willingness to join BJP. “We are going to engage all of them in a big way for the civic elections,” he added.

Party insiders said that the celebs, while seeking votes for the BJP candidates, will share their inspirational stories with the people, especially with the youth and women.

Mr Tiwari said, “People can learn a lot from the struggles of Shweta  Tiwari, Geeta, and Babita, who have faced several challenges to reach the top. These celebrities from different fields are inspired by Mr Modi’s policies and have shown keen interest to build ‘New India.’ I personally want them to inspire the people by sharing their success stories.”

The Delhi BJP head said that apart from campaigning, the celebrities will also help the party to develop facilities related to their respective fields in the city. “For developing a world-class sports facility, we will take advice from Dhawan, Singh, and the Phogat sisters. Similarly, to promote acting and other talent related development, we will seek help from actors Ravi Kishan and Shweta Tiwari. The directors will help the party to draw policies on developing our city as a hub for shooting films,” said Mr Tiwari.  

Claiming Delhi as a goldmine of talent, Mr Tiwari said that he will invite experts involved in talent hunting and promotion, film makers and eminent personalities running professional institutions in Mumbai to promote their respective faculties for Delhiites.

“Nobody has thought about it. The youth of Delhi will certainly benefit from these celebs,” he said.