Purvanchalis in Delhi have benefited from various schemes:Cong

Delhi Congress today rejected BJP's criticism that the Sheila Dikshit dispensation has done nothing for Purvanchalis, saying the community has benefited from various schemes launched by both Delhi government as well as the Centre.
"The Purvanchalis have been benefited by various schemes launched by Delhi government and the Centre. The criticism by BJP is totally unfounded," DPCC president J P Agarwal told a press conference.
"Delhi government has launched a number of schemes for Purvanchalis. Understanding the sentiments of the Purvanchalis, the Delhi government set up a Maithali-Bhojpuri academy in Delhi," he added.
Eyeing Purvanchali voters in poll-bound Delhi, BJP on Wednesday promised to declare 'Chhath', a key festival of the community, a public holiday along with a plethora of sops, if voted to power.

"The Congress government has not only provided basic amenities to the people of Purvanchal, but has also helped them give a quality life by various schemes like Rajiv Awas Yojana," said Congress MP from West Delhi Mahabal Mishra.
Both BJP and Congress have been trying to woo the community. Early this week, BJP alleged that Congress had failed to resolve the issues of Purvanchalis residing in unauthorised colonies.

Targeting BJP city unit president Vijay Goel, Mishra said, "Goel who is battling the infighting in the BJP should not talk about the issues of Purvanchal. The BJP government did very little for the people of Purvanchal when they were in power from 1993 to 1998."

He also accused BJP of politicising the Chhath puja issue and said that Congress had taken special care by making provisions of ghats across Delhi.
Attacking former BJP president Nitin Gadkari, who is also overseeing Delhi elections, Mishra said, "What did Gadkari do when taxis were being smashed, youths from Purvanchali community were being driven away in his home state (Maharashtra)? It's just because the elections are round the corner the party is wooing the Purvanchalis.
"He was a minister in the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra. Did he ever demand a holiday on Chath festival," asked Mishra.
Ahead of the state assembly elections in Delhi both the parties have been trying to woo the people of Purvanchal who constitute around 50-60 lakh voters. They could also play a deciding role in 17 assembly seats in the city.