Doklam row : State BJP for boycott of Chinese goods

BENGALURU: Even as the BJP-led NDA government is for resolving the Doklam border standoff with China amicably, Karnataka BJP is batting for the boycott of Chinese products to counter the neighbouring nation which is threatening military action against India.

The party state unit sees hitting China on the economic front to be as effective as military action. The issue came up for discussion at the BJP State Executive meeting here on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BJP MP and State General Secretary Shobha Karandlaje exhorted the people to boycott the  Chinese goods. “From mobile phones, electronic gadgets to puja items like camphor, Chinese goods have flooded the Indian market. Safeguarding the national security and integrity should be our top priority when China is threatening to declare war against India,” Shobha said.The party cadres would spread awareness among the people to boycott Chinese goods and spread the spirit of patriotism, Shobha said.

The meeting also discussed preparations for BJP National President Amit Shah’s scheduled 3-day visit to the state starting on August 12. Apart from the state unit, various wings of the party like Yuva Morcha, SC/ST Morcha have already been instructed to prepare their action plans for achieving ‘Mission 150’ in the forthcoming Assembly election.

Reacting to Congress leaders’ allegation of BJP misusing the I-T department for political gains in the light of raids on Energy Minister D K Shivakumar’s properties, Shobha termed it as foolish. “I-T is an independent department. Similar raids have been conducted on premises of leaders from other parties too,” she said.

In his inaugural address, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa said that the party was well on course to return to power in the  state.“The recent surveys conducted by BJP have indicated clear majority for the party in the next assembly election. Party workers have huge responsibility to tap this favourable public perception towards BJP. Amit Shah is set to visit the state next week to guide us towards achieving our goal,” Yeddyurappa said.

He said many senior leaders from Congress and JD(S) were set to join BJP in the coming days. “However, tickets would not be given to them all. The opinion of local BJP workers would be considered while giving tickets for those who come from other parties,” he said.Launching a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah government, Yeddyurappa said there is rampant corruption in the state administration and total failure in the maintenance of law and order.