The BJP is trying to convince “popular” members of the civil society to join it when its national president Amit Shah visits Chennai on December 20 and 21.
Sources in the party said Mr. Shah would address a public meeting at Maraimalainagar on December 20. The party was trying to rope in retired IAS and IPS officers and members of the industry to improve its credibility in the State.
“They could also be potential candidates for the 2016 Assembly polls,” a senior leader said.
This model was used successfully in Haryana.
Mr. Shah would meet the office-bearers of the Tamil Nadu unit for a strategy discussion on December 21. “After the meeting, the party will surely be positioned as the main alternative to the two Dravidian parties,” the leader said.
Furthermore, State leaders would discuss how to deal with a concerted campaign against the party on the Hindutva issue.
Significantly, the public meeting will be entirely a BJP affair with the allies, DMDK and PMK, likely to be kept away.
