Now Vasundhara’s ‘friendly clubs’ to make her popular

Vasundhara Mitra Parishads are wooing people to join their ‘‘social, non-political’’ clubs with a single-point agenda — to make Vasundhara popular in the state. The gamble seems to paying off. Since the idea was floated, 17 clubs have sprung up in Beawer, 10 in Bikaner and at least a couple in every big township.

‘‘It is hardly surprising,’’ says Vishnu Modi, first-time BJP MLA from Ajmer. ‘‘The fact that people look up to her is not surprising. After all she is a very charismatic leader.’’

In Beawer, former BJP MLA Ugamraj Mehta is leading the cause. ‘‘Hundreds of doctors, lawyers and partymen are joining these clubs,’’ Mehta says. ‘‘It is a forum for all those who are being ignored by the party or are not able to make a place for themselves at the BJP headquarters.’’

‘‘Of course, it is apolitical,’’ says BJP state vice-president Chandra Raj Singhvi. ‘‘People who admire her want to do something collectively. What’s wrong in that? Also, there were many people who joined her during her Parivartan Yatra. They all cannot be accommodated in the party and yet we can’t afford to lose them. These clubs will keep them busy.’’

Singhvi, considered the brain behind the ‘‘friendly’’ movement, has appointed retired judge Ranjitmal Khimsara president of the party. He is happy being the ‘‘behind-the-scene advisor’’. The work schedule — the clubs intend to meet frequently and talk and serve as a ‘‘bridge between the government and the people’’. The “fan clubs”, however, are worrying some state BJP leaders who see them as an ‘‘alternate party force’’.