Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Campaign Gains Momentum Amidst Controversy
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY), a nationwide campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mid-November 2023, has marked an impressive number of over 18 crore participants from around 782 districts across India in approximately two and a half months since its inception. The campaign primarily aims to foster awareness and inspire widespread adoption of various government schemes. Despite its grandeur, certain bureaucrats have raised concerns about the participation of the BJP in a State-funded initiative, challenging its underlying political agenda.
Concerns Raised Over The Involvement Of BJP Officials
In an instance in Uttar Pradesh, a BJP district chief was scheduled to attend one of the Yatra events. A high-ranking bureaucrat chose to repudiate his presence, voicing his discomfort with the political undertone manifested through the event. He questioned the morality of BJP operators attending a State-funded function and promoting their political agenda.
Event Details and Response
One such event unfolded in Haryana’s Sonipat district, where the slogans for the government’s campaign echoed through the loudspeakers. Ajay Rathore, State executive member of the BJP’s Anusuchit Jati Morcha, addressed and encouraged the attendees to vote for Narendra Modi and the BJP in the imminent Lok Sabha elections.
The intensity and enthusiasm displayed by the party workers and leaders, however, failed to resonate among the attendees. Several returned home with unaddressed bureaucratic issues, leading to their disenchantment with the program.
Public Dissatisfaction and Appreciation
Public reactions varied across the spectrum, with some expressing gratitude for the benefits availed through government schemes, and others expressing discontent over eligibility issues or inability to access the said schemes due to bureaucratic hurdles.
The Future Trajectory of the Campaign
The VBSY campaign is set to continue until the end of February. There have been concerns regarding the mixed responses from the public, especially those in desperate need of aid from government schemes. However, with the political connotations the event carries, it shows no signs of slowing down.
Political Connotations and Public Concern
The political nature of the event was evident, as prominent BJP officials attended and promoted their political agendas. This has led to a public outcry, questioning the use of state resources for political gain. Senior officials from the opposing Congress party have criticized the involvement of BJP office bearers in the Yatra, citing it as a breach of governmental norms.
In conclusion, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, while intending to promote government schemes and initiate development initiatives, has become a hotbed for political discourse and public dissatisfaction. The campaign, still underway, continues to be a champion of controversies and discussions on political etiquette and propriety.
