BJP National President JP Nadda, in an interview with ABP News on Sunday, offered insights into the party's strategies and responses following the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Assessing the BJP's performance, Nadda expressed optimism, stating, "The feedback is very good. BJP candidates are performing well in every seat. Overall, BJP is trending well and headed towards its target (370 seats). I am very confident... The polls are going ahead in favour of PM Modi and the BJP."


Nadda vehemently criticised the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) 'Jail ka jawab vote se' campaign, launched in response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, asserting that it should be countered with a resounding "Brashtachar ka jawab vote se (Countering corruption with vote)" by voting for the BJP. Describing Kejriwal as hypocritical, Nadda remarked, "He used to say he won’t fight polls, form a party, and won’t take government house… today he is running a government sitting in jail."


“The court has said that it doesn’t function on political considerations. The Supreme Court has said there is a money trail and the high court has refused him bail. Delhi’s electorate is very intelligent, they know what is going on and the BJP is capable of reaching the right information to them,” he contended.



Addressing the BJP's ambitious target of 400 seats for the NDA, Nadda expressed confidence in the electorate's support for PM Modi, stating, "People have unbreakable faith in him, they are assured of PM Modi's guarantee." Dismissing suggestions of overconfidence, Nadda emphasised the party's track record and public support as grounds for optimism.


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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: JP Nadda Mocks Rahul Gandhi's Claim That BJP Won't Cross 150 Seats


Responding to Rahul Gandhi's assertion that the BJP would not surpass 150 Lok Sabha seats, Nadda disparaged the Congress leader, stating, “Who takes Rahul seriously? It doesn’t seem that he thinks before speaking, his track record doesn’t reflect that. He repeats what he is told. The same Rahul Gandhi was claiming that Congress would repeat its government in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, also claimed victory in Madhya Pradesh.”


He was asked about the BJP candidates like Anant Hegde and Jyoti Mirda promising changes in the Constitution after the party’s majority. Nadda responded by saying that the party is committed to the Constitution, “PM Modi has said not only him but even Dr Ambedkar cannot change the Constitution (if he were alive)… I have spoken to them (candidates) personally. During speeches, they sometimes cross the line in zest, but PM Modi and I as BJP President have said that we do not intend to change the Constitution.”


“Whoever has said so I have ensured that I speak to them and ask them to stop,” he added.


Regarding reservations, Nadda dismissed allegations of the party's intent to abolish them, labeling it a "vicious design" to defame the BJP. “There is an attempt to attempt BJP as anti-Dalit and anti-Tribal by divisive forces,” he commented.


Nadda slammed the Congress Lok Sabha poll promises saying the grand old party was “frustrated” and using all tricks possible to gain power. He accused the Congress of prioritising power over national welfare, contrasting their promises of freebies with the BJP's focus on empowerment. “Their criteria is not country’s welfare but what can help them gain power…They talk about freebies while we promise empowerment,” he added.


Asked about what follows for him after his term as BJP president ends following Lok Sabha election, he said, “We should never make decisions about our role, our job is to serve the party and I will continue to do that. After I am leave the President post, I will continue to work for the party with the same zeal.”


Meanwhile, the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls recorded a voter turnout of 65.5 per cent across 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission described the turnout as high and largely peaceful, with over 16.63 crore eligible voters participating. The final figures are expected to be released by the EC on Sunday.