Asserting that the Modi Government was committed to the uplift of Dalits, BJP president Amit Shah said on Saturday that a random check of any Union Ministry's website would show that the first five programmes were meant for socially backward and poor people.
Stating this at a function celebrating the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, Shah cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to the nationalised banks "to find out needy Dalit youths" who could be given loans for self-employment. "This itself is indicative of a major change", said the BJP head.
"If the country continues to tread this path, then I feel the day is not far when we will be able to create a proud and prosperous society as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar," he said.
Ahead of the polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand, BJP is seeking to enlarge its base beyond Valmiki caste among Dalits and put behind it the controversies surrounding cow vigilantism which was also strongly disapproved by the Prime Minister. BJP and the RSS have been celebrating the legacy of BR Ambedkar and appreciating his role to push social reforms without in anyway adversely impacting national unity. Shah paid rich tributes to Valmiki, the author of celebrated Hindu epic 'Ramayan'.
He praised the silent role played by Valmiki in uplift of the Valmiki community and Dalits. Shah noted that the Maharishi had said that all are equal and added that the Constitution framed by BR Ambedkar ensures that every individual gets equal rights and opportunities to move forward.
"The Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one that is working most for Dalits, backwards, tribals and the poor", he said adding take any Ministry or department the first five schemes are dedicated to the poor, Dalits, backwards and the oppressed."
Shah on Friday addressed the Bhikhu Dhammaviryo's Dhamma Chetna yatra in Kanpur attended by Dalits who had converted to Buddhism. Saturday's function was also attended by Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, BJP general secretary Ram lal and incharge of BJP's SC Morcha Dushyant Gautam .
BJP leader said anyone can achieve greatness by drawing inspiration from Valmiki's life. "Ramayana is not merely the life story of lord Rama but is an instrument of giving the message of importance of Indian culture to the world. Through the Ramaayan, Maharishi Valmiki gave the message that the victory in the end will be of truth, notwithstanding how strong or clever the untruth is," he said.