BJP to reach out to Dalits, plans schemes in NDA-ruled states

New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) As part of its attempt to reachout to Dalits, BJP has decided to increase its focus on thescheduled caste population in the party''s ''antyodaya'' and goodgovernance programmes and start new welfare schemes for themin NDA-ruled states.

BJP President Nitin Gadkari and Leader of Opposition inLok Sabha Sushma Swaraj held a meeting here yesterday with SCMinisters from the nine NDA-ruled states to chalk out theparty''s strategy to canvas more support from the community.

"This meeting was in continuation of the agenda adoptedat National Convention on Good Governance held in June 2010 atMumbai," BJP spokesperson Ramnath Kovind said.

Gadkari has already stated that Dalits form one of thetarget groups for the BJP in its bid to increase its votebankby another 10 per cent to challenge the Congress.

"Gadkari called upon these Ministers to effectively andexpeditiously implement various welfare schemes for thebenefit of the downtrodden and needy sections of theirrespective states. He urged them to ensure a corruption-freeadministration in their respective ministries," Kovind said.

The BJP President emphasised on antyodaya and craftpolicies to "serve the last man in the queue". He said the aimshould be to reach out to the most marginalised sections ofthe society.

"He appealed them to execute development-oriented schemesfor the all-round development of the poor and oppressed byensuring absolute transparency and performance audit of allwelfare schemes," Kovind said.

The BJP President reiterated the need for eradication ofuntouchability and bringing social harmony among varioussections of society.