BJP's Mumbai unit has organised a show of strength especially of members from the Gujarati community to mobilise support for Narendra Modi. A rally will be held on November 9 and addressed by Modi's close confidant and former Gujarat state unit chief Purshottam Rupala.
A BJP functionary told Business Standard, "The party cannot forget the contribution of the Gujarati community in its growth, both in the city as well as state and national level. There are 25% Gujaratis residing in Mumbai. This is in addition to a floating population, some of which still have their names in the voting list of respective constituencies in Gujarat. Therefore, the objective of Friday's rally is to reassure support of Gujarathi people especially from Katchi, Rukhi, Rajput, Patel, Meghwar, Kapol communities to Modi."
He said that the party members from Gujarathi community in particular have high regard for Modi, who is being projected as the Prime Minister by them.
The functionary said Mumbai has been chosen also with a specific objective to take on Modi's critics especially those who are engaged in pursuing legal cases and running misinformation campaign.
Former union minister Jayavantiben Mehta said the Friday's rally will also be attended by BJP's MPs, legislators and corporators. "Of the 31 elected to the Mumbai civic body and one nominated, 13 belong to the Gujarati community. Modi gets love and respect from party members from the community. Those attending the Friday's rally will extend their wholehearted support for Modi's success in the Gujarat elections," she informed.
Another BJP leader said city unit office bearers have been told to mobilize large number of people on Friday. "Modi led BJP's victory is quite certain as the ongoing election process is just a formality, he notes.