How BJP plans to reach out to VJNT communities of Maharashtra this Diwali
Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the party has an emotional connection with the VJNT communities.
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BJP Maharashtra president Chandrashekhar Bawankule. (Express File Photo) Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the BJP has decided to use Diwali, the festival of lights, to reach out to Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT).
BJP functionaries will visit every VJNT ghetto and present it with a lamp. The party workers and leaders will distribute sweets, new clothes and gifts. They will also distribute books and stationery used for educational purposes and other daily household objects.
State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule Thursday said, “The BJP will celebrate Diwali with Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribe community. The VJNT communities have remained disconnected from the festival celebrations.”
Bawankule said, “Through Ek Diwa Vanchitansathi (one lamp for deprived community) programme, every ghetto will be lit up with lamps.” Stating the Diwali celebration at VJNT ghettos was not part of a political agenda, Bawankule said, “We have an emotional connection with the VJNT communities. We want to associate with them and ensure their participation in the festival of lights. We endeavour to bring joy to their ghettos.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always indicated VJNT should lead a dignified life, the BJP president said. “With this objective, the Centre launched the Vishwakarma scheme. The artisans and labourers covered under Vishwakarma schemes are entitled to interest-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh.”
In Maharashtra, 38 VJNT communities live in ghettos. Based on a common dialect and culture, they follow their own lifestyle. The BJPs wants to bring them to the mainstream and sees the Diwali festival as an apt occasion.
In Maharashtra, the VJNT is a subcategory under Other Backward Classes (OBC) and is entitled to reservation benefits. Currently, Vimukta Jati gets 3 per cent reservation in education and jobs. Nomadic Tribe (B) 2.5 per cent, NT (C) Dhangar 3.5 per cent and NT (D) Vanjari 2 per cent.
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