Modi reaches out to Kerala dalits and backwards

Says merely achieving 'samata' or social equality isn't enough, society should strive for 'samarasta' or social harmony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today recalled contribution of early 20th century reformers from Kerala, Ayyankali and Sree Narayana Guru, and said merely achieving 'samata' or social equality wasn't enough but the society should strive for 'samarasta' or social harmony.

"Mere equality will not do. We have to move a step forward. The final destination is harmony in society. For that we have to have a constantly awakened society," the PM said at a function to mark the 152nd birth anniversary of Ayyankali, organised by Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS) that works for rights of the Dalits.

That the PM graced an occasion to mark social reformer Ayyankali's birth anniversary and helped it organise at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi is notable. Daltis comprise nearly four per cent of Kerala's population. His praise of Sree Narayan Guru, a social reformer from socially and economically backward but politically influential Ezhava caste of Kerala, is also noteworthy.

Ayyankali (1863-1941) and Narayana Guru (1855-1928) were contemporary social reformers who continue to have large followings. BJP is trying to reach out to these groups in preparation of 2016 assembly elections in the state.

The BJP had found support from KPMS and Ezhava community's Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. It had increased its vote share from 6.4 to 10.3 per cent in the elections. The BJP couldn't win any seats in Kerala but this vote share was its best ever performance in the state.

Today, BJP leaders from Kerala and Delhi were present on the dais. Prime Minister said the conference organised by Ayyankali in 1913 on the question of upliftment of Dalits was as much a turning point as Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March in 1930. The PM also praised the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and Raja Rammohan Roy towards bringing about social change. Ends