New Delhi: Three steps in quick succession have suggested that the BJP might be trying to build a social coalition of Dalits and Other Backward Classes to complement its traditional base among the upper castes in the run-up to the general election.

On Thursday, the government managed to get a bill passed unanimously in the Lok Sabha to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.

Twenty-four hours earlier, the Union cabinet had approved amendments to undo the dilution of the SC/ST anti-atrocity law. The related bill is expected to be tabled next week.

In another decision on Thursday, the government assured Parliament that it would clear by March next year scholarship arrears totalling Rs 8,000 crore for Dalit students. 

The BJP believes the steps would gain it the support of the weaker sections.

Besides, the government apparently feared that Wednesday's cabinet approval for restoring the anti-atrocity act's stringent provisions might put off large chunks of the OBCs who, along with the upper castes, have alleged harassment under the SC/ST law.

Thursday's move, BJP insiders said, was a balancing act. Voting on the bill showed 406 ayes with none against.

Constitutional status for the National Commission for Backward Classes would place it on a par with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, granting it more powers to investigate and monitor matters relating to the safeguards for the socially and educationally backward classes.

After receiving constitutional status, the commission "will have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit".

The debate over the OBC commission bill saw ruling alliance members shower praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving to the backward castes what the Congress could not in more than half a century.

Dalit members like Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan joined in to castigate the Opposition for accusing Modi of being "anti-Dalit, anti-backward and anti-minorities".

"By deciding to bring a bill to amend the SC/ST atrocities law and granting constitutional status to the OBC commission, Modiji has silenced the Opposition," Paswan said.

The BJP fielded a host of backward caste members to speak on the bill. All of them accused the Congress of not doing anything for the OBCs and of blocking the bill in the Rajya Sabha.

The Lok Sabha had passed the bill last year but the government couldn't get it through the Rajya Sabha, with the Opposition forcing crucial amendments during voting.

On Thursday, the government moved the constitutional amendment bill in the Lok Sabha to negate the changes made in the Rajya Sabha and introduce fresh amendments.

The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha again for passage.