Udit Raj joins BJP

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Feb 24 2014 | 6:03 PM IST
Prominent Dalit leader Udit Raj today joined BJP which said it believed in inclusive growth and the welfare of the last man in the queue and accused Congress of causing disparity in the society during its rule.
Welcoming Raj in the party-fold, BJP president Rajnath Singh said India cannot be a powerful country if a community continued to remain backward and marginalised.
SCs, he alleged, have not received any benefits during the 10 years rule of Congress and claimed his party has been trying a lot to promote them. BJP recently sent three Dalit leaders to Rajya Sabha, he said to make his point.
Raj may contest next Lok Sabha election, sources said.
A former IRS officer who has in past organized Hindu groups with his activism including holding of mass-conversions, Raj charged the interest of Dalits has been adversely affected during Congress rule and claimed BJP is more sympathetic to their cause.
He also hit out at BSP supremo Mayawati, who enjoys considerable supports among Dalits, alleging her party benefited from the vote of SCs but did little to ensure their welfare.
Arvind Kejriwal of AAP was also attacked by Raj. Kejriwal, he said, was his junior in Indian Revenue Service and did "nothing noteworthy" in Income Tax department and "is now indulging in politics of propaganda and lies".
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 24 2014 | 6:03 PM IST

Next Story