BJP and 38 allies to meet today to chalk out LS poll strategy

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

BJP on Monday said 38 parties will attend the National Democratic Alliance meeting in Delhi on Tuesday. Several top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the meeting, which comes in the backdrop of 24 Opposition parties holding a conclave in Bengaluru to take on the BJP-led NDA in the run-up to the next year's Lok Sabha election.

Describing NDA as an ideal alliance to serve the people, BJP president JP Nadda said the ruling alliance is for strengthening India. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Nadda said the 38 parties have confirmed their participation for Tuesday's meeting.

He also added that NDA would complete 25 years this year. On the question of whether invitation has been sent to erstwhile allies like Shiromani Akali Dal, Nadda said BJP has not deserted its allies, adding, «We have not let off anyone at any step, even those who quit, we did not stop being friendly with them.» Nadda said the broader picture is working for the country with the motto of 'Sabka Satha Sabka Vikas'.

For the larger cause, they have to decide when they want to come back, Nadda said. Hailing the Modi government, Nadda said under its direct benefit transfer scheme, ₹28 lakh crore has been credited into bank accounts of beneficiaries of several welfare schemes and a possible leakage of ₹4-5 lakh crore has been plugged.

BJP is holding the meeting on the same day when the joint Opposition meeting is being held in Bengaluru for the second time. Comparing the two meetings, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a tweet said on one hand there is a united NDA under the leadership of PM Modi for politics of development and on the other hand the Opposition is