Shivaji Park dresses up for the lotus to bloom

MUMBAI: The Lotus is keen to bloom again. The Bharatiya Janata Party, into its silver jubilee year, is pulling out all stops to make its presence felt on the political scene after its dismal showing in the last general election.

Notwithstanding the sordid Uma Bharti episode and the six MPs involved in the cash-for-questions scam, the party hopes a strong posse of over 1.5 lakh workers will descend on the historic Shivaji Park in Dadar for a public meeting on Thursday.   

The party is also leaning on some rhetoric. The stage for the leaders will be shaped like a lotus and on the opening day, 25 small lotuses will bloom symbolically. The brains behind this 'art direction' are Nitin Desai, noted art director and general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Speaking to DNA, Tawde claimed that for the first time in the history of Shivaji Park, a 14-feet high stage has been designed. The stage will have a 24-feet high lotus. The stage will depict major milestones from the BJP's reign, like the Pokran nuclear test, Kashmir yatra, Ramrath and the Jai Jawan Jai kisan Jai Vigyan slogan. It will be lighted up with 18 big screens.

"Make no mistake, it is a show of strength by the party. Cadres are happy that the mega event is happening in Mumbai," Tawde added.