In a novel initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched “Makkal Sevai Mayyam” (Public Service Centre) in B.B. Kulam here on Friday.
Dedicating the office and receiving petitions from the public on the occasion, BJP national secretary L. Ganesan and State secretary R. Srinivasan said that the centre, a first of its kind in the State, would disseminate information on the various schemes of the Union and State governments. Not many were aware of State schemes and benefits such as Central assistance available to the aged people, for differently abled persons, for those interested in starting industries, the quantum of subsidies and grants offered.
“This is just a beginning and the party will start more people-friendly initiatives,” Mr. Ganesan said and added that the new facility would also play the role of a catalyst.
Marking the centenary celebration of Pandit Deendayal Upadyay, he recalled the yeomen services of the scholar who was instrumental in sensitising the masses through Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a forum that worked for the propagation of Indian literature.
Later, in a brief chat with reporters, Mr. Ganesan said that the gesture to greet Jayalalithaa, who assumed the office of Chief Minister for the sixth time, should not be interpreted as BJP moving closer to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
On DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s criticism of BJP’s attempts to popularise Sanskrit, he said that languages such as Tamil and Sanskrit evolved from Lord Siva’s “udukkai” and hence, he, being an atheist, need not worry about it.
