Chief Minister flags off statewide campaign on Guru Ravidas' 650th birth anniversary; highlights welfare schemes and development projects in a bid to expand social outreach 

Lead Reporting

Haridwar: Signalling the Bharatiya Janata Party's renewed outreach towards Scheduled Caste communities ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday launched the 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' from Bhagwanpur in Haridwar district, invoking the teachings of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas and asserting that equality, social harmony and development remain central to the government's agenda.

The campaign was launched during a Kalash Bandhan Maha Rally organised at Chudiyala on the occasion of Guru Ravidas' 650th birth anniversary. Dhami offered prayers at the Guru Ravidas temple before ceremonially carrying the kalash on his head and leading the procession to CMD Inter College, where he addressed a large gathering.

Framing the initiative as a movement to spread Guru Ravidas' message of equality and social justice, the Chief Minister said a person's greatness is determined not by birth but by deeds and service to society.

"Social harmony cannot be achieved until discrimination is eliminated. Guru Ravidas taught humanity, equality and dignity, values that remain relevant even today," Dhami said.

The launch of the campaign is being viewed as part of the BJP's broader political outreach aimed at consolidating support among Dalit and socially disadvantaged communities by invoking the legacy of revered social reformers.

During his address, Dhami also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of the BJP's "double-engine government," stating that flagship welfare programmes of the Centre and the state—including Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana—have ensured that government benefits reach the poorest sections of society.

The Chief Minister further showcased development initiatives undertaken in the Bhagwanpur region, citing flood protection works worth around Rs 12 crore in the Bahadurpur-Sonali area, Rs 49 crore for the construction of a modern school, establishment of a Block Public Health Unit at the Community Health Centre, construction of a new tehsil building worth Rs 8 crore, lake beautification projects, and improvements in roads, connectivity and public infrastructure.

Calling upon people to adopt Guru Ravidas' ideals in everyday life, Dhami urged citizens to contribute towards building a discrimination-free society through collective participation and social harmony.

The political significance of the event was further underscored when the Chief Minister handed over ceremonial kalashs to BJP district presidents from across Uttarakhand, marking the rollout of the Samrasta Sankalp Yatra across all districts of the state.

Cabinet Minister Khajan Das said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recognised the importance of taking the teachings of great social reformers to every section of society. Referring to the sacred soil from Guru Ravidas' birthplace at Govardhanpur in Varanasi, he said it would be carried across the country through similar kalash yatras.

Several saints, BJP leaders, public representatives and senior administrative officials attended the event, which witnessed the participation of party workers and local residents in large numbers.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.