The two resolutions, on agriculture and social welfare, passed by the BJP’s national council on Friday reflected the party’s political concerns after the loss in the three States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Both resolutions spoke about the various government initiatives in both these sectors, in the wake of growing concern over farmers’ distress, loss of income in rural areas and a jobs crunch hurting the party politically.
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The resolution on agriculture moved by Home Minister Rajnath Singh extolled the Narendra Modi-led government’s “policy-based, holistic approach” to agricultural growth and farmers’ welfare while the one on social welfare, moved by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj listed all the social welfare schemes including the 10% reservation for economically weaker section of the general category.
“The BJP lauds its government for ‘successfully’ working out issues of farmers’ income. ‘New India’ that we are trying to create, we will not just be able to reach the goal of doubling of farmers income but would also be looking forward from there... We are conceptualising an independent, able, strong and prosperous farmer as our annadata, who will take the country’s economy to great heights,” the resolution reads.
All speakers described the Modi government as the biggest well-wisher of farmers.
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Favourable comparisons for the NDA government were drawn with the UPA in terms of Budget outlays, production and procurement. The resolution did not say anything on farm loan waivers offered by Congress-led governments and which have cost the BJP dear in the past.
“On the issue of waivers, Rajnathji has said that all BJP-led governments offer loans to farmers at 0%. Also we would like to ask the Congress why farmers in Karnataka promised waivers are getting recovery notices?” said BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav, briefing the media about the resolution.
The decision to reserve 10% seats for EWS general category applicants for government jobs and education in government institutions, was described as a “revolutionary and historic” in the resolution on social welfare.
“This benefit will be available to the poor of all communities and religions and to groups who were not getting reservation up till now like Brahmins, Baniyas, Kapus, Marathas, Patels, Jats and Rajputs,” said the resolution, a clear indication of some lessons taken from upper caste anger reflected in the results of the three State polls that BJP lost. I