BJP membership drive receives huge response

Gandhinagar: BJP's new membership drive, which was launched last week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is receiving a huge response countrywide with more than 70 lakh people having registered as party members.

"BJP expects to become world's largest political party through its membership drive," national in-charge of membership drive Dinesh Sharma today said.

Sharma said, "Within first week of launch, more than 70 lakh people have registered themselves as our members. We have not set any target, but we expect to become world's largest political organisation through this drive."

"Before arriving here, I was in West Bengal and Tripura, and we have received an overwhelming response there," Sharma said while addressing a press conference.

The Gujarat phase of the drive kick started today with Gujarat BJP president R C Faldu and Chief Minister Anandi Patel enrolling themselves as party members. The drive would continue till March 31 in the state.

"There are around 43.8 lakh registered members in Gujarat, of which 1.33 lakh are active members. As per BJP's constitution, existing members are also required to register themselves. We expect Gujarat to lead the country in this drive," he said.

"We are making use of social media platforms and other means of advertising to reach out to people. After March 31, when we will have area-wise database of aspirants and then the scrutiny process will start," Sharma said.