Offence is best defence: BJP's message to its messengers

''Offence is the best defence'' and ''Don't be apologetic, be confident'' are the two clear messages that the BJP's central leadership has sent out to all its spokespersons, directing them to deploy it while appearing in debates on exit polls and on counting day on various TV channels. Party spokespersons have been asked to make a strong argument that the BJP — on its own — will cross the magic figure of 272, while it will surpass the 300-mark with its allies and come back to power for a second consecutive term.

Ahead of exit polls and counting slated for May 23, the party held special briefing sessions for spokespersons in all states and reiterated that the BJP-led government has weathered anti-incumbency due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong leadership. In Mumbai, union human resources minister Prakash Javadekar briefed the spokespersons on Saturday, asking them to counter charges by opposition and critics about polarisation and BJP seeking votes on the caste lines. Instead, they were told to boldly emphasise on BJP's focus on projecting a slew of initiatives implemented in the five years to spur growth across the sectors.

These briefing sessions were held amidst reports of a split in the Election Commission over the clean chit to PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah and the raging controversy over Pragya Thakur calling Nathuram Godse — the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi — a "patriot."

''Although there was no Modi wave like the 2014 election, the under-current was in favour of Modi. After Uri and Pulwama attacks, it was Modi who gave a free hand to the Indian Army to conduct airstrikes, sending a strong signal to Pakistan. Further, Modi's clean image and his growth appeal have been a big positive for the BJP to consolidate its position, especially among youths across the country. This will be highlighted during TV debates,'' a senior spokesperson told DNA on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, on Congress president Rahul Gandhi's repeated attack against Modi on Rafale deal, the spokesperson said the party will counter them by reminding the Gandhi of a defence deal under the UPA government in which an alleged business partner of Gandhi had got an offset contract.

Additionally, the party has distanced itself from its Bhopal candidate and the praise she lavished on Godse, adding, ''Party president Amit Shah has already announced that notices have been served seeking explanation from Pragya Thakur and also from union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde and lawmaker Nalin Kumar Kateel for their statements involving Mahatma Gandhi.''