Dalits, OBCs and tribals getting due respect now; previous governments remembered them only during polls: PM Modi

The prime minister addressed a public programme at Dhana in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh after performing ‘bhoomi pujan’ and laying the foundation stone for the construction of Rs 100 crore-worth temple-cum-memorial of social reformer and mystic poet Sant Ravidas at Badtuma village.

Modi bowed down before the idol of Sant Ravidas with folded hands after performing bhoomi pujan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being presented a memento by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai C. Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the memorial of Sant Ravidas, in Sagar, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. (PTI Photo)

He also inspected the miniature model of the upcoming memorial-cum-temple at this function.

At Dhana, Modi dedicated to the nation the doubling of the Bina-Kota railway line project besides laying the foundation for various road projects.

The prime minister said the soil from thousands of villages and water from more than 300 rivers became part of Sant Ravidas’ upcoming temple-cum-memorial.

He said Sant Ravidas who was born during the Mughal period marked by instability, excesses and atrocities, created an awakening against social evils.

“The governments which ruled for decades had failed to provide water to the poor whereas Dalits, underprivileged localities and tribal areas are now getting piped water due to Jal Jeevan Mission,” Modi said and accused the previous governments of neglecting these sections and remembering them only during elections.

“Our government giving due respect to Dalits, OBCs and tribals,” he said.

Recalling the COVID-19 period, the prime minister said he had decided that no one should sleep empty stomach during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Our free ration scheme for the poor during the Coronavirus period is being lauded by the world,” he said.

These programmes in Sagar district marked the culmination of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s ongoing ‘Samrasta (harmony) Yatras’, which were started from five places in the state on July 25.

According to officials, the temple-cum-memorial dedicated to Sant Ravidas will be spread over 11 acres of land. The structure will showcase the teachings of Sant Ravidas and also have residential facilities for the devotees besides a museum, art gallery and other amenities.