Smriti Irani, BJP national general secretary and new Haryana in-charge, urged district party leaders to interact with the public without security guards. Speaking at her first visit to Haryana, she emphasized humility and direct connection with people for better outreach.
Irani’s Message on Security
Although Smriti Irani has a Z-category security cover, she revealed that she often goes out without it. She advised Haryana BJP district presidents, who usually travel with police guards, to shed their security detail to better mingle with the public. “Leaders cannot mingle with people while surrounded by security,” she told them, encouraging them to approach with humility and without ostentation.
Context of the Visit
Irani reached Panchkula with co-in-charge Bhola Singh for organisational meetings spanning two days. The BJP won a third straight term in Haryana’s recent election and is now preparing for the next assembly polls. The visit was intended to mobilize efforts at the booth level and strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
Security and Party Organisation
While state police headquarters officially do not provide security to district presidents, many have been assigned individual police personnel by their superintendents of police. Some district leaders even travel in cavalcades. Irani’s remarks partly addressed the practice of some leaders, such as Gurugram District President Sarvapriya Tyagi, frequently posting videos showing security personnel.
Booth-Level Preparations
The BJP has ordered the formation or renewal of 11-member committees at every booth within three months. These committees appoint “Panna Pramukhs” responsible for specific pages of electoral rolls. State president Archana Gupta stated the goal is to ensure no worker is without a clear responsibility. Additionally, state and district office-bearers will conduct district visits with overnight stays to review booth preparedness and connect with senior workers.
Meetings and Dinner
Irani began with a meeting at the state party office alongside leaders including Archana Gupta and organisation general secretary Pawan Rana. She then met state office-bearers, district presidents, and former MLAs. Later, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hosted a dinner with about 25 leaders, discussing government work and ground feedback. Attendees included Union minister Manohar Lal, Rajya Sabha member Subhash Barala, and former minister Ram Bilas Sharma.
Assessing Lost Seats
The BJP spokesperson noted that Irani would also review the 42 constituencies the party lost in the last assembly election. Her focus will be on organisational weaknesses and the role of local leadership in those areas.
