BJP Distributes Copies of the Constitution to Sanitation Workers at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Uttar Pradesh distributed copies of the Constitution to sanitation workers at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. They highlighted that this religious gathering symbolises unity, a principle enshrined in the Constitution. This initiative is part of the BJP's Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan, a campaign celebrating 75 years of the Indian Constitution by honouring Dalits across the state.

Uttar Pradesh BJP secretary Abhijat Mishra stated, "We came here to honour those who had been reduced to mere vote bank by non-BJP parties and governments. Now, with a strong, sensitive leader helming the nation, the change is evident." He emphasised that other parties view Dalits and OBCs as vote banks, whereas the BJP respects them. The distribution of Constitution copies was aimed at reinforcing unity.

Political Dynamics at Maha Kumbh

The BJP's move aligns with the Samajwadi Party's decision to install a bust of its founder, Mulayam Singh Yadav, at the Maha Kumbh. Meanwhile, Congress announced a rally titled Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan on January 27 to challenge the BJP. BSP chief Mayawati is also addressing issues related to alleged disrespect towards BR Ambedkar by the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Prayagraj before this year's Maha Kumbh and referred to it as Ekta ka Mahakumbh, or a grand gathering of unity. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described it as Samajik Samta Ka Mahaparv, highlighting social equality. The state government promoted the event with a large statue of Lord Ram and Nishad Raj in an embrace at Shringverpur’s Nishad Raj Park.

Community Outreach Efforts

Nishads, a politically significant OBC riverine community seeking SC inclusion, are being courted by all parties. In 2019, Yogi Adityanath organised schools for sanitation workers at the Kumbh Mela while Narendra Modi washed Dalit sanitation workers' feet during his visit. These actions reflect ongoing efforts to engage with marginalised communities.

A senior RSS leader commented on political narratives at Maha Kumbh, stating that it exemplifies caste harmony and unity. "You can draw your own political narratives but we stand for unity and Maha Kumbh is a classic example of caste harmony as differences of all kinds are bridged here," he said.

Challenges and Strategies

Political observer Sudhir Panwar noted that opposition parties and some BJP allies are united on caste census issues. "The opposition parties and many of the BJP’s OBC allies are united on the issue of caste census," he said. The BJP faces challenges despite winning by-polls and is working to mobilise public opinion through outreach efforts like those at Maha Kumbh.

During the Lok Sabha elections, opposition parties criticised the BJP's "400 paar" slogan, suggesting it aimed to amend the Constitution. The ruling party denied these claims but did not achieve its target and needed regional party support to form a government. Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc gained unexpected success in increasing their Lok Sabha presence.