Modi asks BJP MPs to highlight welfare measures in social justice fortnight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday exhorted BJP parliamentarians to reach out to people with the government’s welfare measures for the masses as part of “samajik nyay pakhwada” (fortnight dedicated to social justice) from its foundation day on April 6.

At a meeting with the MPs, Modi highlighted that April 14 was the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution and icon of backward classes, and April 11 was that of Jyotirao Phule, a social reformer who worked for the upliftment of lower castes.

The fortnight, which would focus on measures taken for poor and backward sections of the society, was initially observed in August, but has now been moved to April.

As part of the celebrations, the government is also throwing open on April 14 a museum it has built recognising the contribution of former prime ministers.

Modi said BJP is the only ruling party which has recognised contributions of every prime minister.

“He said we are the only ones to have acknowledged former prime ministers’ contributions irrespective of the party they came from,” a BJP MP said, quoting him.

The BJP has often accused the Congress, which has ruled the country for much of the period since Independence, of glorifying the prime ministers from its ruling Nehru-Gandhi family while ignoring others.

“This is essentially democratisation of national recognition and articulation of popular gratitude towards all of our former prime ministers,” BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said.

That the museum is being inaugurated on Ambedkar’s birth anniversary is a recognition of the democratic architecture he bequeathed to the country, another party leader said, referring to Modi’s speech.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told reporters that Modi asked parliamentarians to work to spread awareness about the central government’s welfare schemes for housing, nutrition and free grains among others, especially the disadvantaged sections of society like Scheduled Castes, to highlight various government programmes for their welfare.

An exhibition on the movement for India’s Independence was also held at Ambedkar International Centre, the meeting’s venue, where Modi arrived earlier than its scheduled beginning.

The Prime Minister asked them to hold different measures to help people during the fortnight. He suggested that MNREGA funds can be utilised to build ponds in dedication to the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Modi urged MPs, including ministers, to visit aspirational districts, a term for underdeveloped districts, and hold programmes there.

(With agencies’ inputs)