(This story originally appeared in on Oct 27, 2017)

GANDHINAGAR: The BJP is pinning its hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's charisma to pull off a victory in Gujarat elections . Senior BJP leaders said the PM would address no less than 50 public meetings ahead of the assembly elections in December.“Modi may address 50 to 70 such meetings across South Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch and Central Gujarat. The PM may start a full-fledged campaign after November 10, when he will address two three public meetings in different parts of the state,“ a senior party leader said.The PM has already visited his home state close to 10 times since January in this crucial election year, clearly indicating that the Gujarat election is nothing short of a `battle of prestige' for the BJP and Modi. Also, since Modi's departure from Gujarat's political scene in 2014, the BJP in the state lacks a credible mass leader to lead the electoral battle.“Earlier, the BJP had planned 15 to 18 rallies but now the party has requested the PM to address at least 50 large and medium-sized public meetings and to take out as many road shows as possible,“ the party source said. During the upcoming elections, Modi is likely to do `social media town halls' and add ress several public meetings using digital media.“Our social media team is working on a plan to organise several social media townhalls for different voter segments such as youth and women. Modi may also address them through an audio bridge,“ a source said.Yogi a star campaignerBesides the demand for spee ches by Modi and national BJP president Amit Shah , there is great demand from party wor kers for UP CM Aditya Nath Yogi to address similar mee tings. The ruling party is lik ely to rope him in for s public meetings in Gujarat.