In what is being seen as a first move by the BJP to cash in on the surgical strikes in PoK, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will be felicitated at two different functions in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.
Parrikar who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from UP will be travelling to Agra and Lucknow during the day and BJP workers in the two cities are planning a grand welcome for him.
Parrikar, during his visit to the twin cities will be accompanied by some senior state BJP leaders. The function in Lucknow is likely to be held at a school auditorium and state BJP president Keshav Maurya will be sharing the dais with the defence minister on the occasion.
In what is being seen as an attempt to give the entire exercise a non-partisan hue, the felicitation is being held at a neutral venue and banner.
Parrkar’s tour of UP comes in the midst of the raging debate over details of surgical strike carried out by the Army, with a section of the opposition asking government to release the details and video of the operations in the face of Pakistan denying any such LoC transgressions.
However, sources tell CNN-News18 that participants at the two functions have been told to exercise restraint while making public speeches and statements.
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a chord of caution in the weekly cabinet meeting this morning in the capital Delhi when asked his cabinet colleagues to refrain from chest thumping.
Parrikar’s visit comes just a week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a departure from convention, will participate in the valedictory session of a Ramlila in Lucknow. In a move with political overtones, Prime Minister will be travelling to the state capital on the 11th of October and will be the chief guest at the Aishbagh Ramlila where he is also likely to address the gathering.
With elections just round the corner, BJP’s political moves are being watched closely by the opposition in the poll-bound states especially UP.
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