Chhath: BJP goes into overdrive to woo Poorvanchalis, sets up helpline

New Delhi: Continuing its efforts to woo over 40 lakh Poorvanchali voters ahead of Chhath Puja — the most sacred festival of the community — Delhi BJP, on Monday, announced a helpline number for providing assistance to the Chhath puja committees.

Chhath has always been a political issue in Delhi given the large population of Poorvanchalis in the national capital. As per estimates, there are nearly 50 lakh migrant voters from states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern UP who are called Poorvanchali. More than two dozen Assembly constituencies in Delhi have Poorvanchali population of up to 40 per cent.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has formed a team to help the Chhath puja committees. The team will provide help in solving the administrative and other problems related to putting up tents and arranging offerings for the “Sun” god.

According to Mr Tiwari, the team will be led by BJP Poorvanchal Morcha president Manish Singh. The Chhath puja committees will be able to get help from the team by placing a call on a dedicated number (97114-96114) for this purpose.

“Chhath Mahotsav is for the welfare of all the people besides being a boon for the environment. Wherever this festival is celebrated, the devotees themselves clean the rivers and ponds. This in turn leads to not only the disposal of filth and garbage, but also ensures pure water, thereby aiding the growth of plants. The puja samagri (material) used in Chhath Puja helps in bringing prosperity to every section of society, especially among the traders. Many people get employment due to the celebration of this festival,” said Mr Tiwari.

Earlier on Friday, a party insider had said that about 1.5 lakh Delhi BJP workers will join the municipal employees to clean and make necessary arrangements in the city at the puja ghats.

“Mr Khattar has assured that the Haryana government will release additional water for two days during Chhath Puja,” Mr Tiwari had told this newspaper on Friday.