Cong promises separate ministry for Purvanchalis

Akhilesh Prasad Singh, president of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee, on Friday announced that if the Congress returns to power in Delhi, the party would create a separate ministry with an exclusive budget to address the welfare of Purvanchalis. Around 30-35 lakh Purvanchalis are living in Delhi.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee office, Singh said Purvanchalis, who had played a key role in the development of Delhi, had long been treated unfairly by both AAP and the BJP.

Singh criticised both parties for using Purvanchalis as a mere vote bank without improving their living conditions. He condemned the statements made by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BJP President JP Nadda, who have insulted Purvanchalis.

“Purvanchalis are being treated worse than animals in Delhi. Though they are the pillars of the city’s development, they have been denied basic rights,” Singh said, adding that the Congress would address these issues by setting up a dedicated ministry and allocating budget to address the needs of the community.

Congress leaders also outlined several other plans aimed at improving the lives of Purvanchalis. Supriya Shrinate, chairperson of Social Media and Digital Platforms, and AICC spokesperson, stressed the importance of giving Purvanchalis the respect and rights they deserve, noting that they had been unfairly blamed for issues like pollution in the Yamuna.

“The Congress will create a sub-plan department to address the educational, healthcare and social needs of Purvanchalis. Our goal is to give them equal treatment and ensure they get their deserving rights,” Shrinate said.

Pranab Jha, in-charge of the Media and Communications for the Congress, announced to set up a Chhath Ghat district on the Yamuna banks to address the needs of Purvanchali devotees during the Chhath festival. He said the Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government was the first to create Chhath Ghats, but the AAP and the BJP had failed to provide access to them.

“Purvanchalis have been denied their rightful place at Chhath Ghats. If the Congress returns to power, we will not only restore this access but also designate the Chhath Ghat as a separate district,” Jha said.

Kanhaiya Kumar, AICC in-charge of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), launched the “Rs 2 Lakh Ki Bachat, Rs 25 Lakh Ki Suraksha — Coupon Lo, Khushiyan Pao” initiative. This scheme aims at providing financial relief and security to Delhi residents through guaranteed savings, health insurance and other benefits.

Kumar emphasised that the Congress was committed to providing equal rights and opportunities to all, including Purvanchalis.

“The Congress ideology is against discrimination in any form, and we are committed to uplifting the poor by ensuring proper use of taxpayers’ money for development,” Kumar said.

As the Congress rallies its support ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, the party has vowed to prioritise the needs of Purvanchalis and work toward ensuring their equal representation and rights in the city’s governance.