Haryana BJP goes into overdrive in socio-religious outreach

The BJP government, led by CM Nayab Singh Saini, is taking its socio-religious outreach to the next level. Be it the anniversary of Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, Brahmin icon Bhagwan Parshuram or ruler-reformer Ahilyabai Holkar, the government went into overdrive to mark the days — that too within a span of three days from May 29 —underlining its commitment to celebrating home-grown heroes.

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While celebrating religious, social and cultural satraps, who are venerated as gods and demi-gods by their respective communities, is not alien to Haryanvi culture, the zeal with which the BJP institutionalised the celebrations set tongues wagging. Soon motives, often political, were attached to the celebrations as they no longer remained socio-cultural functions but turned into a political show of strength for the party in power.

Immediately after forming its first-ever government in Haryana under RSS pracharak-turned-politician Manohar Lal Khattar in 2014, the BJP realised the immense hidden political potential of the otherwise mundane non-political events.

What started as once-in-a-while event, soon became a regular feature, with the Khattar government notifying Sant Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana to plan and execute the mega events. With a government policy in place, these events turned into mega state-level functions, with the Chief Minister and other BJP leaders in attendance. Soon, the state machinery started working weeks in advance to make the events successful, often at the cost of routine governance.

"The state-level events are part of the BJP government's mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka Vikas', with the primary aim of recognising the role of various community leaders. It goes a long way in commemorating the contributions of various religious, social and cultural icons towards the betterment of society," senior BJP leader Varinder Garg said.

However, the political message of these mega corporate-style events is loud and clear. BJP insiders conceded that these mega events, where the local grassroots-level leaders play a significant role, have reaped rich political dividends for the party in successive elections. In fact, these events have played a yeoman's role in making the BJP a major political force in the state, from being a non-entity in the pre-2014 period, a BJP veteran stated.

Gods and saints are venerated by all sections of society and mega gatherings on their anniversaries provide ready audience for the BJP top brass in the non-election period.

Besides, all 36 'biradaris' (communities) have their own local heroes, and these events go a long way in bringing together these communities on one platform. With the state government functionaries, including the CM, highlighting government incentives and doling out sops for the respective communities, the BJP naturally stands to gain from these events.

With caste and community ruling the roost at these events, one wonders when and how the BJP's dream of 'Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek' would be realised.