Jharkhand BJP launches 7-month St Ravidas Jayanti outreach campaign to strengthen community connect
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, July 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand will launch a seven-month statewide outreach programme centred…
Babulal Marandi addresses a press conference in Daltonganj on Tuesday.
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, July 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand will launch a seven-month statewide outreach programme centred on St Ravidas Jayanti from Asarh Purnima (July 29), former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi announced on Tuesday.
Statewide campaign to promote St Ravidas’ teachings
Addressing a press conference in Daltonganj, Marandi said the campaign is aimed at popularising the teachings of the revered saint and strengthening social harmony at a time when, according to him, divisive tendencies are emerging in different parts of the country.
Responding to questions on whether the initiative was politically motivated, Marandi said the BJP has always worked to preserve India’s unity and cultural heritage.
“If the party benefits politically from such outreach, the credit goes to the party,” he remarked.
BJP eyes stronger connect with Ravidas community
The campaign assumes significance as the BJP seeks to reconnect with sections of the Ravidas community after facing electoral setbacks in recent elections. Political observers have also noted the growing influence of Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad among Dalit voters, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
Party sources said the outreach is intended to deepen the BJP’s engagement with Scheduled Caste communities ahead of Assembly elections due next year in states including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Kalash Yatra to cover entire Jharkhand
Marandi said a grand Kalash Yatra will be organised across Jharkhand during the campaign. The sacred Kalash will be placed overnight at temples during the journey before proceeding to the next destination.
Political analysts view the initiative as part of the BJP’s broader social outreach strategy aimed at expanding its support base among Scheduled Caste communities.
Marandi targets opposition over paper leaks
Targeting opposition parties over recurring examination paper leaks, Marandi said they raise the issue repeatedly but fail to present concrete solutions.
“Merely making allegations will not help curb the menace of paper leaks. Opposition parties should also come forward with practical measures,” he said.
Referring to recruitment examination controversies, Marandi added, “Paper leaks are not confined to BJP-ruled states. They have occurred in Jharkhand as well. Look at the CGL examination and other recruitment tests.”
Backs Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, criticises Kapil Sibal
On the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Marandi said it was an appropriate decision as the protesters had made his resignation their primary demand.
Marandi also criticised senior advocate Kapil Sibal, alleging that his interventions contribute to social divisions in the country.
The press conference was attended by BJP district president Amit Tiwary, MLAs Alok Kumar Chourasia and Dr Shashibhushan Mehta, senior BJP leader Shyam Narain Dubey, state general secretary Manoj Singh, and other party leaders.
