Modi to kickstart Chai pe Charcha for BJP

In politics, leaders taking pot-shots at each other or even getting into a war of words is not uncommon.

But it is often said one must know how to turn brickbacks into bouquets to keep oneself going. Nobody seems to have understood the concept better than BJP's Prime Ministerial Candidate Narendra Modi. Even while the Congress is bent upon giving him a tea boy image by shouting the same to deafening decibel levels and dismiss modiwave as an illusion, Modi seems to have it taken all in his stride.

If not for his best branding team, Modi would not enjoy the popularity he does till now. The BJP has turned the 'tea boy' criticizm into a campaign. Calling it a Chai pe Charcha campaign, the BJP will hold a tea party today with its supporters from across the country.

Modi's one-hour tea talk will be at the Iskon Gathiya tea stall in Ahmedabad which is all set for the much-hyped e-chai session. The event will be relayed live at 1000 tea stalls across 300 cities.

This unique outreach programme will enable Modi to connect with thousands of supporters with the aid of internet, satellite DTH and mobile.

Chai pe Charcha is being dubbed as the party's mega campaign for Lok Sabha elections. This will also be Modi's answer to his political rivals, particularly Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who had made fun of Modi as a boy who sold tea on trains.

However, AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi went on a damage control mode with a touch of sarcasm when he had said: "Every tea-seller, every labourer should be respected, but he who makes a fool of people should not be respected."

Today's chai pe charcha will focus on good governance. The session is not restricted to supporters alone, senior leaders from other parties too are expected to participate in this one-of-its kind event.
For the chai pe charcha session, the BJP has chosen 61 regions across Gujarat, 36 in Bihar, 32 in Kerala and 46 in Delhi among other states.

It's worth mentioning here that chai is a symbol of brand India. Political observers feel that the BJP prime ministerial candidate has hit the right chord by initiating this campaign.

Let's see if the humble chai can connect Modi with the masses...