BSP plans counter to thwart BJP's Dalit, backward outreach prog

As the BJP tries to placate Dalit voters through outreach programmes like 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan' in run-up to the Lok Sabha polls next year, the BSP has asked its office-bearers and workers to fan out and initiate preemptive steps to ensure the ruling party does not make a dent in a vote bank that has traditionally backed it.

Party office-bearers, including coordinators and peoples' representatives, have been alerted against the "designs" of the BJP behind its leaders undertaking visits to villages for night stays and having dinners at Dalit homes, a BSP leader said, requesting anonymity.

Under the 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan', which was launched earlier this month, the BJP has asked its MPs, including Union ministers, to spend at least a night in villages where SCs/STs constitute over 50 per cent of the population. They have been asked to ensure everyone in such villages is covered under government schemes that aim to provide LPG connections, vaccination to children, 'Jan Dhan' accounts and electricity for households.

The campaign is being seen as a part of the BJP's massive outreach to the rural poor, especially the Dalits, as it gears up for a string of assembly elections leading to the Lok Sabha polls due next year.

The BJP's campaign comes against the backdrop of opposition parties targeting the Narendra Modi government over its alleged anti-Dalit policies. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already spent a night each in Pratapgarh and Amroha and held "chaupal" to take feedback on government schemes. He had dinner in a Dalit house.

The BSP leader said the BJP has realised it has earned the ire of Dalits, backwards and minorities because of its policies and the night stay is just an effort to keep them in good humour. "But such programme is not going to serve any purpose."