The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently organized the Shakti Vandan national workshop with the objective of formulating a strategy to connect with NGOs and self-help groups in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This workshop, held at the party extension office in New Delhi, aimed to address various issues concerning women’s self-help groups and NGOs.
To effectively reach out to self-help groups and NGOs, the BJP formed 25 groups, each consisting of an equal representation of women and men. These groups strategized on conducting outreach programs specifically designed for women’s self-help groups and NGOs. The party intends to directly engage with over 10 crore women through this campaign, with a target of increasing the proportion of women voters by 10 percent.
To achieve this objective, the BJP instructed these groups to establish contact with the respective Block Development Officers (BDOs) in their areas to connect with the self-help groups and NGOs. During the workshop, the groups were given a target of ensuring an attendance of approximately 1500 to 5000 individuals in these outreach programs. Additionally, they were encouraged to organize a maximum number of meetings in their respective assemblies.
The Shakti Vandan National Workshop provided a platform for attendees to present their views on the role of the Mahila Morcha (Women’s Wing) in this campaign. Prominent party leaders such as BJP National General Secretary-Incharge Women Self-Help and NGO Contact Campaign Tarun Chug, BL Santosh, National Vice President, Mahila Morcha in-charge Bijayant Jay Panda, President of BJP Mahila Morcha Vanithi Srinivasan, State Presidents of each state of BJP Mahila Morcha, National Vice President Saroj Pandey, National Minister BJP-Convenor Women Self-Help and NGO Contact Campaign Vijayarahatkar, National President Mahila Morcha, MLA Coimbatore Vanathi Srinivasan, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore were present at the meeting.
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP plans to conduct 11 massive outreach programs within 70 days, aiming to complete them before March 15. These programs align with the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and fall under the leadership of BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The party has entrusted four of its National General Secretaries with the responsibility of leading different Morchas (wings) to reach out to various sections of the country.
According to sources, Maharashtra’s Vijaya Rahatkar and Vanithi Srinivasahan from the southern part of the country will engage with 1.25 crore women’s self-help groups, making them aware of the beneficial schemes offered by the BJP. These women’s self-help groups will be encouraged to join the BJP and ensure their votes are cast in favor of the party. Tarun Chugh, the National General Secretary, has been appointed as the in-charge of the Mahila self-help group and NGO.
In conclusion, the BJP’s Shakti Vandan workshop signifies the party’s commitment to engage with NGOs and self-help groups as they prepare for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. By forming dedicated groups and conducting targeted outreach programs, the BJP aims to connect with a significant number of women voters and increase their representation within the party. This initiative reflects the party’s dedication to empower women and foster their active participation in the political process.
