The BJP in Uttar Pradesh is, once again, seeking refuge in one of its most popular leaders, Atal Behari Vajpayee.
The party plans to put Mr Vajpayee on the forefront by reviving his charisma and reminding voters of his everlasting presence in the party in Uttar Pradesh.
The BJP apparently hopes that by reviving the veteran leader’s “face”, it can give an impetus to its revival plans.
The BJP, incidentally, will be celebrating Mr Vajpayee’s 87th birthday on December 25 in a big way after a gap of almost three years.
Besides an 87-kg cake, party functionaries will distribute fruits, blankets and sweets among the poor and organise blood donation camp. Huge hoarding wishing the ailing leader on his birthday are being put up at vantage points in the state capital.
“Puja and ‘havan’ will also be held on the occasion to offer prayers for a long and healthy life for the leader.
Senior BJP leaders will be participating in the celebrations in various parts of the state. According to party sources, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi will participate in the event in Varanasi while Mr Arun Jaitley will be the chief guest in Meerut.