The state BJP unit plans to undertake a membership drive at educational institutions to enrol 75 lakh BJP members in Bihar.

Party youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) would carry out the drive in two rounds - March 9 to 11 and March 16 to 18 - outside the entrance gate of all educational institutions across the state.

State BJP secretary and co-in-charge of the party's membership drive Mritunjay Jha said: "The membership drive would be carried out outside the entrance gate of educational institutions and the party cadres have been asked not to interfere with academic activities within the campus."

Moreover, as carrying out political activities inside the educational premises is not allowed, the BJP cadres have been asked not to enter the campuses. So the party has not taken permission from educational institutions for holding the drive outside.

According to sources, the cadres have been directed to give momentum to the membership drive to achieve the target of 37 lakh new BJP members in the state in less than 24 days. It already has around 38 lakh members.

According to sources, the BJP, in spite of winning maximum seats in the general election, has failed to keep last year's momentum alive.

A senior BJP leader said: "The party's membership drive started on November 1 last year. In four months, the party has enrolled 35 lakh members, it would be a big challenge for the party to enrol around 40 lakh members in 24 days." The BJP membership drive in the state ends on March 31.

A source claimed that apart from less participation of MPs and MLAs, the main hiccup in enrolling members was the use of the toll free number. Old as well as new members have to dial the toll free number 18002662020 and complete the formalities for membership. Earlier, people were given BJP membership through receipt.The BJP members have also been directed to seriously take the membership drive in Bihar, as it was running smoothly in other states. In Uttar Pradesh, the party membership has crossed 1.2 crore.#