Dalits a priority: BJP
He lauded the silent role played by Maharishi Valmiki, the creater of Hindu epic Ramayana, 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 B R Ambedkar ensures that every individual gets equal rights and opportunities to move forward.
New Delhi : BJP, which is trying to woo the Dalits ahead of crucial UP polls, on Saturday celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki with party chief Amit Shah paying rich tributes to the poet-saint.Addressing a function to celebrate 'Valmiki Jayanti' at the party headquarters here, Shah said the Modi government had dedicated all its schemes to dalits and the poor to help ameliorate their socio-economic conditions.
He lauded the silent role played by Maharishi Valmiki, the creater of Hindu epic Ramayana, 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 B R 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. Take any ministry or department, you will see that the first five schemes are dedicated to the poor, dalits, backwards and the oppressed," he said.
The party has been celebrating the legacy of dalit icon Ambedkar.
Shah had also addressed the Bhikhu Dhammaviryo's Dhamma Chetna yatra in Kanpur on Friday which was attended by dalits who had converted to Buddhism. The BJP chief on Saturday highlighted the manner in which the government has asked banks to help finance dalits for self-employment through its schemes, saying it is a big indication of the change being initiated.
If the country continues to tread this path, then I feel the day is not far when we will be able to bring a proud and prosperous society as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar," he said. BJP 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.
