To coordinate the BJP’s political response to rising concerns over the economic slowdown and underline the Centre’s pro-poor initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address all elected representatives of the party on Monday.

The BJP has convened an “extended” session of its national executive, starting Sunday, where the main agenda is to formulate a political response to the concerns about the economy and criticism over GST implementation and demonetisation.

On the first day of the meeting, party president Amit Shah held discussions with office-bearers, state chiefs and key organisational leaders to finalise the agenda items on September 25, which is the birth anniversary of BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Although the national executive is usually attended only by members or special invitees, the BJP this time has decided to call all elected representatives — 1,400 MLAs across the country, 337 MPs and MLCs in addition to all important and core group members from across States.

Altogether over 2,000 delegates will participate in this extraordinary session because the need for a strong and coordinated political response to the economic slowdown and related concerns is being increasingly felt.

The stated reason for calling this extraordinary session, however, is that it marks the end of a year-long programme to commemorate Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s 100th birth anniversary.

The meeting will begin with Amit Shah’s inaugural address. Modi, who will deliver the valedictory address, is expected to respond to criticism over the state of the economy and efforts at financial transparency and inclusion.

A political and economic resolution drafted by party General Secretary Ram Madhav will underline the party’s confidence in the policy initiatives and achievements of the government.

The rollout of GST has been described by the party as a major success of the government, which the BJP intends to assert, will integrate the country’s economy.

Defending DeMo

Modi is expected to underline his government’s successes in boosting transparency and curbing black money, while taking on the opposition parties, especially the Congress and its Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, who have ratcheted up their criticism of government’s handling of the economy by citing the fall in GDP rate, demonetisation figures and unemployment.

The political resolution in the national executive is likely to assert that the economy has been doing better under the NDA than it did under the previous UPA government.

The PM’s agenda of development will also be a key feature of the discussions during this meeting.