Canard being spread about BJP among Dalits, claims Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday reached out to workers of the BJP's Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and fishermen cells of Gujarat two days ahead of first phase of polling and cautioned them that attempts were being made to spread canard about the party among Dalits.

He, however, assured them through that the BJP was committed to the welfare of SCs, STs and fishermen and highlighted different schemes tailor-made for their upliftment.

"Among the Dalit community, canard is being spread about the BJP. Despite that the party workers are committed to serving and bringing about change in the lives of the Dalits," Modi told in his last-minute reachout before polling on Saturday.

The BJP, stressed the prime minister, has always stood for unity, harmony and social justice among Dalits.

Modi chose Ambedka's death anniversary to interact with 8,000 leaders and workers from the state units of the three cells. He also inaugrated the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in the New Delhi as a tribute on his death anniversary.

He told the cadre that overall Rs 65,700 crore have been exhausted for the development of the tribal region of the state- from Umargam to Ambaji.