However the Andhra Pradesh BJP Chief, Kishen Reddy who is the organiser of the event says that it is not a rally but a conclave of the youth. Moreover the Rs 5 entry fee is not compulsory and is voluntary. In this interview with rediff.com, Reddy speaks about the conclave and also the kind of impact they are expecting Narendra Modi to make in Andhra Pradesh.
Why has Narendra Modi chosen to commence his southern campaign from Andhra Pradesh which is a weak state for the BJP?
The BJP may be making a start in Andhra Pradesh, but every survey in the state says that they would vote for Modi as Prime Minister. We have spoken to many party leaders in the state including the Congress who say that Modi is best suited to be Prime Minister. In fact a Congress leader told me recently that his wife and children say they would vote for Modi. We may not believe in the BJP’s ideology, but will vote for Modi is what the general mood in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Do you expect Modi to be a success in Andhra Pradesh?
Yes he will be a big hit here. It is a historic milestone. We have conducted surveys in all parts of the states and there is a pro Modi wave. The youth in particular are his biggest followers. Andhra Pradesh has a lot of educational institutions and hence the number of youth is very high.
Why do you think Modi is more popular in North compared to South?
There is more entrepreneurship in the Northern States and hence they connect with him very well. However today down South people have realised that they want him as leader. The 2014 elections will be all about development and issues of corruption. Modi is not corrupt and he has proven to be pro-development. The following in South has gone up and will continue to increase. In Andhra Pradesh the only issue that the BJP is raising is good governance, development and able leadership and Modi fits the bracket in all these three departments.
Do you see the fortunes of the BJP changing in AP after Modi’s arrival? The party is number 4 now in the state.
As I said earlier in AP there will be a good result for the BJP. Regional parties will be marginalised and 70 out of 100 people will vote for Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
It is often said that Modi has more appeal in the urban areas only. What is the scenario in rural AP?
That is not correct. His appeal is all over. Go to any village in Andhra Pradesh and you will find out how much the people want Modi as PM. People in the rural areas are ready to work for Modi irrespective of the party he belongs to.
Now the issue of the Rs 5 entry fee which is all over the news. What was the idea behind this?
First and foremost the programme is not a rally but a conclave of the youth. We have decided that all those who attend the programme can contribute Rs 5. This money will be given for the relief work in Uttarakhand.
Is it compulsory to pay?
No it is not. Those who say they do not want to or cannot afford it do not have to. It is voluntary.
Does this have Modi’s approval?
This is a state BJP policy. No we have not informed him about this. But once again this is voluntary and hence no one would have any problem with this. The idea of this conclave is to motivate the youth.
Telangana is a major issue as you know. What is the party’s stand today on the issue?
Let me tell that the Congress will never give Telangana. But, if the BJP comes to power Telangana will happen in 100 days. L K Advani had made this assurance.
Will Narendra Modi share the same view?
Yes he will and I have no doubt about that.
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