New Delhi, Nov. 29: The BJP is keen not to repeat the mistake it committed during the last state elections — ignoring the burgeoning political clout of Purvanchali voters — with an eye on the upcoming Assembly polls in Delhi.
The BJP has upgraded its Purvanchali cell into a full-fledged wing with all ranks of office bearers, on the lines of the Youth wing, and tasked them with preparing a strategy to reach out to and woo large chunks of voters from Bihar and eastern UP in the capital, party sources said.
“It is high time we recognise their influence on politics in Delhi and give them proper representation,” Poonam Azad, Purvanchal wing vice-president told The Telegraph.
“And it is Bihari migrants — particularly those from Mithilanchal region — who need to be addressed and recognised by the party. They are working at various levels and contributing significantly to Delhi’s development.”
The party, sources said, realised that the capital’s demography has changed drastically over the past few years and it is no longer only the Punjabis or the Vaishyas who script the electoral result, the key to success also lies in the hands of the Purvanchalis.
Party officials estimate that there are around five million Purvanchalis — the largest chunk being from north Bihar — in the capital and form about 45 per cent of the electorate.
The BJP is hopeful that Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung’s decision to declare Chhath a public holiday recently in Delhi at the behest of the senior leaders of the party would provide it with much-needed traction in the coming state polls. “Chhath being declared a government holiday here is an acknowledgment of their strength and a matter of pride. We know Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise of good governance is going to be our biggest poll plank but the crucial local factor is also to be taken into account,” said a senior leader of the BJP’s Delhi unit.
While the party had fielded only five candidates from the region last year, it is planning to increase the number to at least 20 this time and launch an aggressive campaign in the constituencies with a high concentration of Bihari voters. “We have largely ignored the aspirations of Bihari migrants in the capital. Most of them were earlier loyal to the Congress and during the last elections, they turned to Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Admi Party, as it had given tickets to many Biharis,” said Poonam’s husband and Darbhanga MP Kirti Azad.
The former cricketer added that if the party needed to turn the tide, “justice” should be done with Biharis at the time of ticket distribution. “They are politically aware and influence results in at least 42 out of total 70 constituencies. If the party has to do well, we have to win their confidence.”
According to sources, ground activists have been told to spread messages during their interaction with Purvanchali voters on how the BJP would address issues like shelters, police victimisation, health and education for migrant workers and middle class on priority basis.
They have also been asked to convey to voters that if the party’s government comes to power, the Union government would also work for their welfare.
