BJP to rope in artistes on cultural nationalism plank

The BJP today said it would rope in people from the fields of art and culture from across the country to spread its message of "cultural nationalism" as it prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Stressing that "change" can come through arts and culture, BJP President Rajnath Singh said, "We believe in cultural nationalism, but Congress calls us communal."
"They (Congress) are the biggest communal political party in this country," he added.
Slamming the Congress for calling BJP communal, Singh said, "We have decided to start a campaign all over the country through the arts and culture cell and propagate the ideas of cultural nationalism."

"It is because of our culture that India still remains a secular country," he said during the national executive of the party's newly-formed art and culture cell.
The party would select people from the fields of art and culture and initiate a process of dialogue with them on a weekly or fortnightly basis, party leaders said.

"Through the arts and culture cell, the party would take its views and agenda to the masses," Singh said.
Popular television serials like "Ramayana" and "Mahabharat" have helped in bringing about a change in people's mind, Singh said, adding these shows coupled with hardwork of activists have raised BJP's acceptance among the people.

Singh asked party activists to visit different areas with artistes and intellectuals to spread the party's message.
"Organising such events needs funds. I would be very happy if I see my party workers collecting money from the people and organising such events," said Rajnath.