Amrita Madhukalya

The BJP is making a concerted effort to make a mark in Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal's cousin and former state Finance Minister Manpreet Badal has been appointed the vice-president.

Tawde, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, will take charge of poll-bound UP, alongside National Secretary Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel as co-in-charge.

Following the announcement of its new team on Monday, the BJP on Tuesday announced three of its general secretaries, Vinod Tawde, Satish Poonia and Tarun Chugh, as the in-charges of poll-bound states Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat, respectively. While other state in-charges will be announced in due course of time, all eyes are set on the announcement of the Parliamentary Board, the party’s highest decision making body. Sources in the party did not rule out the possibility of a Cabinet expansion by the end of the month.

Government officials indicated that the free coaching programme could also cover crucial courses such as NEET entrance exams, apart from courses that help students prepare for other high value professional courses.

The textbooks have been in focus with several misinformation being published as part of the syllabus.

A senior leader attending Saturday's induction programme said that they need to ensure that the party knows and understands the needs and aspirations of these voters.

Santhosh said that the BJP will contest the elections alone, ending speculations that the party might join hands with the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The BJP is planning a GenZ outreach across the country starting with PM Modi’s birthday, with a training camp of senior leaders to chalk out the party’s activities to this end. Ministers from 25 states are holding a meeting with president Nitin Nabin, where Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and BL Santosh are expected to organise the meet.

A special focus was on the social welfare sector, especially in the aftermath of the education-centred protests at Jantar Mantar.

Joram Maivio, special invitee to the Monitoring Committee, says that as per the recommendations of the Bezbaruah Committee, it was decided that there will be amendments to sections 153 (C) and 509 (A) of the IPC.