Will the BJP in Karnataka benefit from a Dalit President?

BJP State president and MP BS Yeddyurappa will be one of the proposers for Ram Nath Kovind, NDA’s candidate for the President Kovind may prove an advantage for the State BJP during coming polls since the Congress has been trying to woo Dalits aggressively 

The State BJP president and MP BS Yeddyurappa has been summoned to Delhi by the BJP High Command to sign as one of the proposers for Ram Nath Kovind’s candidature for President, sending a strong message to the Dalit faction in the State that BJP is pro-Dalit.

This comes in the wake of State Congress Government announcing various welfare projects for Dalit faction under its Ahinda mantra.

The Centre’s forethought of appealing to the Dalits by choosing Ram Nath Kovind will definitely play a role in State’s poll swing. The Centre has already announced various programmes to commemorate BR Ambedkar’s 125^th birth anniversary. The Jana Samparka Abhiyana by State BJP leaders, involving going to Dalits homes and eating with them, has managed to gather major attention - even if the meals has been controversial at times.

Currently, major Dalit leaders and voters are seen to lean towards Congress party CM Siddaramaiah. Sangh Parivar leaders have advised their high command in Delhi that the support of Dalits and backward community is absolutely essential to win Karnataka polls next year.

The State BJP leaders have also made similar suggestions and the party is going all out to woo Dalits. While the State BJP does have some Dalit support, to gain a clear majority several welfare programs are also seen as necessary. A senior BJP leader spoke to Kannada Prabha and said “the Centre has chosen Ram Nath Kovind as its Presidential candidate and that his victory is almost certain will send a strong message to the State Dalit faction.”

In the event of Ramnath Kovinda becoming the President, he will be the first President from Uttar Pradesh, which has already given nine Prime Ministers to the country.