On October 17, 2024, the new BJP government in Haryana will officially take oath, marking a significant milestone that coincides with Valmiki Jayanti. This day, celebrated as “Pargat Diwas” by the Valmiki religious community, honors the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered author of the Ramayana. By choosing this date for the swearing-in ceremony, the BJP is sending a strong signal to Dalit communities, who form a substantial part of Haryana's electorate.

Despite facing challenges in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP secured only five out of ten seats, the party achieved a remarkable turnaround in the state elections, clinching a historic third consecutive term in power. This success can be attributed to the BJP's ability to hold its ground in traditionally strong Jat areas while also gaining traction among Dalit and OBC voters, who had largely supported the Congress in the past.

The government's welfare initiatives, including the provision of gas cylinders at ₹500 and the adoption of Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna Yojana as the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, have resonated well with women from Dalit and OBC backgrounds. According to a senior BJP leader, “The BJP is one party that has always given due respect to the downtrodden, the poor, the backward classes, and Dalits.” This emphasis on welfare programs underscores the party's commitment to uplift marginalized communities and provides a stark contrast to other political parties, which have often been criticized for their lack of genuine outreach.

In the recent Assembly elections, the BJP secured eight out of seventeen seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), who constitute nearly 20% of Haryana's population. The Other Backward Classes (OBCs) make up approximately 30% of the state's electorate, and the BJP’s electoral strategy effectively appealed to both groups. Nayab Singh Saini, the state's Chief Minister and a prominent figure from the OBC community, has been instrumental in this outreach.

The swearing-in ceremony will be graced by prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states. This shows the party's commitment to demonstrating unity and strength, particularly in light of the recent electoral victories.

The BJP’s efforts to honor Maharishi Valmiki extend beyond this swearing-in event. Earlier in January, the party named the Ayodhya International Airport after Valmiki, aiming to disseminate a message of truth, morality, and spirituality throughout society. The government has consistently recognized Valmiki’s contributions to literature, society, and religion. Notably, in October 2015, the then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced plans to establish a university named after Maharishi Valmiki. Since 2016, Valmiki Jayanti has been celebrated as a state-level event, reinforcing the BJP's commitment to honoring this iconic figure.

In addition to recognizing Valmiki, the Haryana government has also acknowledged other religious figures. In June 2022, Khattar announced that the official residence of the Chief Minister in Chandigarh would be named “Sant Kabir Kutir.” This reflects the BJP’s broader strategy to cultivate goodwill among various communities and enhance its political base through cultural and religious recognition.

The Khattar-led Cabinet has also initiated the Sant-Mahapurush Vichar Samman and Prasar Yojana, aimed at celebrating the contributions of numerous religious icons at state-level functions. These initiatives reflect the BJP's focus on Antyodaya and social harmony, which Khattar emphasized during his tenure, stating, “Maharishi Valmiki’s vision of Ram Rajya is being upheld by the governments led by the BJP.”

Through these efforts, the BJP has not only strengthened its political position in Haryana but has also cultivated a narrative of inclusivity and social justice. As the new government takes office on Valmiki Jayanti, it symbolizes the party's ongoing commitment to address the needs and concerns of Dalits and other marginalized communities in the state.

As we observe this historic moment in Haryana's political landscape, it is crucial to recognize the importance of community engagement and the role it plays in shaping the future of governance. The BJP’s strategy of aligning with significant cultural events and figures demonstrates a profound understanding of the electorate's sentiments and aspirations.

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