Considering the sizeable presence of Poorvanchalis in the Capital, the Delhi BJP on Saturday made attempts to garner their support in the run up to the Assembly polls. President of the State unit of the party, Vijay Goel assured the party will take concrete steps to restore the pride of Poorvanchalis living in Delhi.
He said the BJP will work for improving the living conditions and take care of their overall development. The Capital has an influential population of 40 lakh people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Addressing a media briefing, Goel said, “The BJP will declare Chhath a public holiday in Delhi, when elected to power and most importantly restore the dignity and pride of the Poorvanchalis living in the city. The present Govern-ment has created a sense of alienation among the Poorvanchalis and hurt their pride during its misrule in Delhi.”
A former Union Minister, Goel, also said Poorvanchalis living in Delhi are part and parcel of the city but they have been neglected by successive Congress Governments. “lack of affordable housing for them has pushed a large section of Poorvanchalis to live in JJ clusters, slums and unauthorised colonies. The problem of employment is hurting the community the most. A large section of them is employed in the informal sector or as informal labour force in the organised sector, contributing immensely in sustaining the lifeline of Delhi,” Goel said.
It was stated that common problems faced by people from the two States have been identified and will be addressed when the party is voted to power. “Their children struggle to get enrolled in Delhi schools. Obtaining a ration card is another Herculean task for them. An lPG connection, a telephone connection and Aadhaar card are other issues faced by them,” the BJP said.
Meanwhile, Goel also facilitated local leaders of Congress, Janata Dal (United), BSP and independent Councillors, who joined the BJP on Saturday. “This reflects the popular mood in Delhi in favour of BJP, which is all set to unseat the Congress party from power,” Goel said.
Former Chandni Chowk District Congress Committee President and Councillor Amod Sharma, Municipal Councillor from Mukundpur Ward of lok Janshakti Party Gulab Singh Rathore, Independent Councillor from Tigadi Ward under Deoli Assembly constituency Sarita Garba, Farid Shah, who contested the Municipal Corporation election from Jahangirpuri on Bahujan Samaj Party ticket and Janata Dal (United) Delhi State General Secretary Kapoor Chand Chhikara joined the party ranks.