In the backdrop of reports that a section of the BJP’s Dalit support base shifted to the Opposition INDIA bloc in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the Sangh Parivar is planning to hold a 15-day Dharma Sammelans (religious conferences) targeted at the Schedule Caste (SC) habitations in villages and urban areas.
The programme being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) would include eating in Dalit houses and delivering religious sermons in the Dalit settlements.
“The programme will start 15 days ahead of Diwali (scheduled for November 1). We have requested religious leaders and saints to hold padyatras in Dalit villages and settlements in cities and towns. During these, the saints will have food with the community and also deliver religious sermons. This is being done for religious awakening in the society. We keep doing this from time to time. The idea is that instead of Satsang (religious meeting) waiting for people to come to it, Satsang will go to the people,” VHP president Alok Kumar told The Indian Express.
Before this, the organisation will also be engaged in holding the celebrations to mark its 60th birth anniversary on Krishna Janmashtami. Beginning August 24, the VHP would hold religious conferences in this regard in nearly 9,000 blocks across the country. “These would have participation from diverse sections of society, including women and Dalits,” Kumar said.
Although these events are in line with the long-term project of the Sangh Parivar to eliminate untouchability in society and unite Hindus, it assumes political significance in the wake of the reported move by a significant section of Dalits to switch sides in the Lok Sabha polls.
This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.
