NEW DELHI: Fourteen BJP chief ministers and five deputy CMs have been directed to ensure central welfare schemes for weaker sections, especially in rural areas, are effectively implemented within targeted timeframes so that the party can reap electoral benefits in 2019.While addressing the Mukhyamantri Parishad (Council of Chief Ministers) of 19 states in New Delhi on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah emphasised on strengthening the organisation till the grassroots and reaching out to prospective voters more effectively. A broad strategy on the thrust areas for the general elections were also discussed.Recent elections have indicated that the BJP was not strong in rural areas. The loss in bypolls by sizable margins has led the party brass to reach out to the poor in rural areas. Modi has been underlining this in his meetings and the Prime Minister’s Office is keeping a tab on the progress.All chief ministers were directed to work on implementation of flagship programmes with deadlines in mind so that the party can benefit electorally. Modi has promised that every family will have a house by 2022.CMs were also asked to ensure that MSP of 1.5 times the production and family labour cost was provided to farmers in their respective states.

Source: Economic Times February 28, 2018 18:22 UTC