Saffron party out to lure Dalits to counter SP's PDA pitch

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on a mission to connect with Dalit youths and intellectuals, who play a major role in moulding the community's thought process on important issues and also influence the voting pattern.

- Pawan Dixit

LUCKNOW: It has come up with 'Samajik Nyay' seminars to counter the Samajwadi Party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) pitch.

The idea of connecting with Dalit intellectuals and youths through these workshops is the brainchild of Dharampal Singh, state general secretary (organisation) of the BJP. The first such seminar was organised in Lucknow on February 21, in which Dalit lecturers, professors and youths took part.

The seminar at Bhagidari Bhawan in Gomti Nagar was attended by lecturers from degree colleges, professors and UPSC aspirants from the Dalit community.

Asim Arun, social welfare and SC/ST welfare minister in the state government, apprised the gathering about various initiatives of the BJP for the welfare of Dalits. Dharampal Singh tried to dispel all misconceptions among Dalits about the BJP and RSS being anti-reservation. He apprised the gathering on how the BJP and RSS were working together in the interest of Dalits.