BJP Prioritizes Backward Classes Ahead of Bihar Polls

swift Summary

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to celebrate the bicentenary of social reformer Jyotiba Phule, emphasizing his role as an anti-caste activist and a champion of women’s education.
• The move is seen as a message to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), where Phule is highly revered, particularly in bihar among horticulturist groups like Kushwahas and Koeris.
• PM Modi highlighted Phule’s philosophy of “priority to the backward,” stating that obvious government policies aim to uplift marginalized communities including Dalits,oppressed,exploited,and deprived groups.
• Modi asserted that his government’s schemes focus on ensuring “saturation,” where no eligible person is left out from welfare benefits.
• BJP has included historical figures like Phule and B.R. Ambedkar in its ideological framework as it broadens its base beyond conventional supporters ahead of key elections such as those in Bihar.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The proclamation highlights BJP’s strategy to strengthen ties with the OBC community by elevating thier historical icons like Jyotiba Phule into national significance. This approach aligns with efforts to expand its voter base among historically marginalized groups ahead of crucial electoral contests, such as in Bihar-a state where caste dynamics play a decisive role. While focusing on welfare execution thru broad-based ‘saturation,’ PM Modi’s statements suggest a nuanced political messaging aimed at reinforcing social justice narratives while countering perceptions about implementation gaps under previous governments. This adds another dimension to BJP’s ongoing integration of diverse social legacies into its broader cultural-political identity.

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