MELBOURNE, 6 April 2024: The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) Australia, ‘a group of supporters and sympathisers of BJP, the ruling party of India’ working here in the Indian diaspora, has decided to setup 100 booths across Australia to campaign in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held from 19 April to 1 June, 2024, and the results expected on 4 June, when counting of votes takes place.
The announcement was made at a meeting held at the Australian Indian Community Centre, Rowville to mark ‘BJP Staphana Divas (Formation Day)’. And, supporters urged to talk to their relatives in India to vote for the BJP. A plea was made to spread ‘Indian Culture’ in Australia. The slogan ‘Abki baar – Modi sarkar’ (This time Modi Government) slogan was raised by those present. The gathering was addressed by OFBJP national President Jay Shah among others.
PM Modi has already completed two terms (10 years) of BJP rule and is seeking a third term. The BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is being opposed by the ‘INDIA Alliance’ constituted by the Congress, RJD, AAP, SP, Left parties, DMK, and TMC among others. A highly volatile and noisy campaign from both the main contenders (NDA and INDIA Alliance) and regional parties is in in full swing. The issue of ‘electoral bonds’ and jailing of some opposition leaders including the Chief Minister’s of Delhi and Jharkhand are hitting the media headlines. The Indian PM has been addressing election rallies across the country claiming his ten years of achievements.
A diaspora group entering the campaign from overseas is not new and how much they can influence voters remains a riddle. Other groups connected to the AAP, Congress and smaller parties are likely to plunge into the campaign from Australia. According to the 2021 census, about 9,76,000 residents in Australia trace Indian ancestry. Indian diaspora is the second largest and fastest growing diaspora in Australia. The Indian PM during his visits to Australia held big diaspora rallies and mainstream Indian TV channels and those on You Tube are seen across Australia.
The OFBJP observed BJP Formation Day today in multiple Australian cities , says a Tweet (X) by the OFBJP.
