As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, Indian political parties have strategically remembered Valmiki Jayanti, an occasion dedicated to the great sage Maharishi Valmiki, who authored the epic Ramayana. The BJP, Congress, and Samajwadi Party celebrated Valmiki Jayanti with an eye on wooing the Dalit community and making Valmiki’s legacy a part of their agenda.
BJP’s tribute at Kanpur Dalit conference
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commemorated Valmiki Jayanti in Kanpur, where a Dalit conference was organized. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on the historical context of the celebration, stating, “Did we ever have Ramayana recitations at temples on Valmiki Jayanti before? The government was wary of it, fearing votes would slip from its bank. No programs were held in the name of Maharishi Valmiki.” However, he emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, they have been more proactive in celebrating Valmiki Jayanti, including recitations of the Ramayana and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He expressed that Valmiki introduced the world to the character of Lord Rama and highlighted the government’s efforts to unite people and ensure minimum wages and protection for sanitation workers. Following a tragic incident in Kanpur last year, a township named Vedavyas has been established in a village for affected families.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Perspective
Akhilesh Yadav, the state president of the Samajwadi Party, personally attended the celebration at the state headquarters. He focused on the spiritual and moral significance of Valmiki Jayanti, saying, “Maharishi Valmiki composed the epic Ramayana. The life of Lord Ram shows us the path of righteous living and duty even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Valmiki Remembered at Congress Office
The Pradesh Congress celebrated Valmiki Jayanti at their state headquarters. Pradesh Congress organization secretary Anil Yadav acknowledged the profound impact of Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana, emphasizing how it introduced the world to Lord Shri Ram’s life and provided invaluable spiritual and social ideals. He underlined the timeless relevance of Valmiki’s contributions to humanity.
BSP’s Dalit vote bank challenges
Indian political parties are closely monitoring the Dalit vote bank, particularly the core supporters of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). After a decline in the BSP’s electoral strength since 2012, the party’s performance has faced challenges. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BSP won 10 seats by forming an alliance with the SP. However, their performance in the 2022 Legislative Assembly elections was disappointing, and the party was limited to just one seat. The BSP also struggled in municipal body elections. With parties preparing for the poll battle early next year, communities and their heroes are being celebrated, and community leaders are being encouraged, especially from the OBC, Dalit, and other marginalized communities. The leaders of different parties have demonstrated their desire to woo all voters, cutting across caste lines.