BJP in battle mode for Chengannur by-election

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP is determined to capture the Chengannur Assembly seat through whatever means available. The national leadership may shower the voters with central schemes and over a dozen welfare projects are in the pipeline, it is said. This is bound to give sleepless nights to the rival political fronts as the election code of conduct will come into force only after the Election Commission announces the poll date.

A Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) to benefit the residents of Chengannur and Mavelikara taluks was opened at Chengannur a few days ago as per a scheme announced by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the department of posts last year. Mavelikkara Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh and BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi had claimed credit for setting up the kendra, which was opened by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P. J. Kurian. Though Mr V. K. Singh, Union Minister of State of External Affairs, was scheduled to inaugurate it, he couldn't make it.

A senior BJP leader told DC that several development schemes were projected for Chengannur. "Chengannur municipality was supposed to benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana, a social welfare flagship programme to provide housing for the rural poor, though it is yet to be implemented here," he said.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah want the party to popularise over 50 welfare schemes announced in the budget to win over the masses.

The St. Thomas College of Engineering and Technology, Kozhuvalloor, Chengannur, will host a mega job fair organised by the union ministry of labour and employment onMarch 18. Over 5,000 jobs will be offered, including for even those who have passed eighth standard. The BJP leaders claimed that 50 private companies, including MNCs, will participate in the fair. The organisers will also provide free vehicle service from Chengannur bus stand to the venue.