On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi interacted with 250 students from Jammu and Kashmir as a part of the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Social Welfare Department Sheetal Nanda flagged off 250 children selected from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir to have a 12-day visit to Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi to expose them to the social and cultural diversity of India.
Meanwhile, Modi interacted with the leaders and members of the Christian community in his official residence in Delhi on Monday and has taken up on ‘Sneha Yatra’ programme to reach the Christian community in Kerala.
However, both the programmes introduced by the BJP hold significant socio-cultural and political value in it.
The Programmes:
For the Muslim communities’ children and youth, the BJP has introduced ‘Watan Ko Jano’, where PM Modi interacted with 250 Kashmiri students. This programme is a youth exchange initiative designed to provide exposure and broaden the perspective of young people from Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those impacted by militancy or from underprivileged backgrounds.
This programme aims to break the stereotypes and promote mutual understanding between different regions, cultures, and personal growth.
On the other hand, for the Christian communities, the ‘Sneha Yatra’ programme was introduced by the BJP to outreach the Christian community in Kerala. This focuses on building strong bonds with the Christian communities of the state, while promoting brotherhood, social unity, interfaith gatherings, addressing discrimination, and other development programs related to healthcare, poverty and much more.
Why is the BJP launching minority outreach programmes?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched several programmes in recent years. Currently, two more outreach programs launched by the BJP this month, to target both the Muslim and Christian communities in India.
The staged goal is to get electoral gains and counter oppositions ahead of the Lok Sabha election in 2024. Also, addressing social concerns, building trust and challenging criticism are some of the prominent strategies that will be beneficial for the BJP.
Other than this, the BJP government has emphasized the importance of social harmony with minorities, which could contribute to a more peaceful and stable environment.
Possible Outcomes:
If the outreach programmes are conducted effectively and genuinely, then it could lead to a better understanding. Also, it will help to alleviate some of the historical injustice and anxieties held by the communities towards the part and will improve the political representation.
Moreover, these programmes will help to counter the negative perception of the BJP being anti-minority. If it is successful, then it will appeal to potential voters from minor communities.
