Having failed to name a chief ministerial candidate,the BJP is banking on the popularity of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to woo voters during the upcoming Assembly polls. Vajpayee was for a long time a member of the Lok Sabha from Lucknow. Party leaders say that during the election campaign they would remind people about the good work done during Vajpayees tenure. However,explaining the actual reason,a senior party leader said,There are over a dozen senior national and state leaders in UP but none of them can boast the wide acceptance that Atalji had. He added that most BJP leaders have little appeal outside their own communities and areas. It was precisely for this reason that the party decided not to project anyone as the chief minister. Though Vajpayees birthday is almost a month away,the BJP state headquarters here is already dotted with banners,hoardings and posters wishing him a long life. The election campaign material also has his photographs. Vajpayees photo was used liberally on the posters of the two Jan Swabhiman Yatras which the BJP undertook recently. Beginning December 1,the party will launch a fortnight-long BJP lao,Pradesh bachao campaign during which pamphlets highlighting the work of the Vajpayee government,like keeping price under check,loans for farmers on low interest,foodgrain for work scheme,and construction of village roads,will be distributed. Party workers will distribute these pamphlets while senior leaders will hold rallies, said Mahendra Singh,party state vice-president.
