Ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body elections scheduled for this year in the state, the BJP is attempting to make inroads into the Congress party’s traditional Dalit vote bank.
Jaipur: The BJP has intensified its preparations for the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections in the state. Before entering the electoral fray, the party has now actively begun working towards balancing social equations. In this context, the BJP has devised a strategy to penetrate the Congress party’s traditional Dalit vote bank, which accounts for 17 percent of the electorate. To achieve this, the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, is being utilized as a primary vehicle.
In the politics of Rajasthan, the role of the Dalit—or Scheduled Caste—vote bank is considered pivotal. The Dalit community is estimated to constitute approximately 17 percent of the state’s total population, translating to a numerical strength of around 1.20 crore people. This is precisely why, in every election—whether for the Legislative Assembly, the Lok Sabha, or the Panchayat and local bodies—courting this demographic remains a top priority for political parties. Although this segment has traditionally been considered a Congress stronghold, the BJP has significantly strengthened its grip on this vote bank over the last few years. Dr. Ambedkar remains the most prominent leader of the Dalit community; consequently, the BJP is executing its strategy by placing Ambedkar at the very center of its efforts. On April 14th, the BJP intends to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti as a grand festival. The party is planning to organize a week-long series of large-scale events to mark the occasion. Through these initiatives, the party aims to expand its outreach within the Dalit community and prominently highlight their issues.
Congress Insulted ‘Baba Saheb’: BJP State President Madan Rathore stated that the Congress party has exploited the Dalit community by treating them merely as a traditional vote bank, thereby keeping them deprived of development. He noted that there is now a palpable desire for change within the Dalit community. Keeping this sentiment in mind, the BJP has outlined a series of programs for Ambedkar Jayanti. The party intends to expose the true character of the Congress party before the Dalit community. This year, the Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations on April 14th will be observed as a week-long event. Through seminars and discussions focusing on the life and legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, the party will inform the public about how ‘Baba Saheb’ championed the cause of justice during the drafting of the Constitution, and how it is the BJP that has truly accorded him the respect he deserves. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, sites ranging from Ambedkar’s birthplace to his places of education and *Nirvana* (final resting place) have been developed as “Panch Teerth” (Five Pilgrimage Sites). Several historic initiatives, including the observance of Constitution Day, have been undertaken in his honor. Rathore alleged that the Congress party had hindered Ambedkar’s rise.
**Special Focus on the Dalit Community**
- The BJP will conduct a mega public outreach campaign across the state between April 7 and April 14.
- Party workers will remain active from the booth level right up to the state level.
- They will engage in door-to-door interactions to publicize government schemes and the party’s ideology.
- They will strengthen their outreach in every village and settlement.
- The campaign will focus primarily on rural areas and Dalit settlements.
- Workers will visit villages to organize “Chaupal” (community gathering) programs.
- They will engage in direct dialogue with the people to listen to their grievances.
- They will highlight Ambedkar’s ideas and his contributions to the Constitution.
- Cleanliness and public awareness programs will be conducted.
- Cleanliness drives will be organized at public places.
- Senior party leaders will be felicitated.
- Seminars and discussion sessions will be held at the *Mandal*, booth, and *Shakti Kendra* levels.
- BJP leaders will expound upon Ambedkar’s biography and life story.
**Read:** Rajasthan Government’s Major Decision: The Gift of the “Panch Teerth Yatra”—Free Travel to Sites Associated with Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
**Door-to-Door and Ward-to-Ward Campaigning:** Under this campaign, BJP workers—as explained by the campaign’s convener and State General Secretary, Pintu Saini—will go from village to village and ward to ward to convey Ambedkar’s ideas, his contributions to the Constitution, and the message of social justice to the people. They will conduct dialogues, meetings, and awareness rallies within Dalit settlements. Party leaders have been instructed to establish contact with influential members of society at the local level and apprise them of the party’s policies. The BJP’s strategy is not limited merely to organizing events; rather, changes are also being implemented at the organizational level. Responsibilities are being assigned to party workers belonging to the Dalit community so that they can effectively convey the party’s message within their own communities. Special emphasis will also be placed on ensuring that government schemes and benefits reach the Dalit community. Party MPs, MLAs, and other elected representatives will also join these gatherings and take Ambedkar’s ideas to the masses.
Courtesy: Hindi News