A BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh has sparked fresh controversy by saying that ministers visit homes of Dalits despite being bitten by mosquitoes.

While speaking to media in Shamli district, UP Minister Anupama Jaiswal said, "We are working to ensure that the schemes of the government reach every section of society. Our ministers are staying at the homes of Dalits despite being bitten by mosquitoes all night,".

Jaiswal, who is the minister of basic education in the Yogi government, made this comment days after UP Minister Suresh Rana came under fire for allegedly ordering in food while dining with a Dalit family in Aligarh district.

Meanwhile, another minister in Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra Pratap, compared BJP leaders visiting Dalits to Lord Ram.

In the light of these events, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat criticised BJP's attempt to woo Dalits by dining with people of the community.

"Instead of doing this drama, the party should focus on increasing interactions with Dalits and solving their problems," said Mohan Bhagwat.

Under Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the BJP is said to have directed party leaders to visit Dalit-dominated areas and dine with them to strengthen the vote bank.

However, the recent statements and actions of Uttar Pradesh ministers have given others an opportunity to target the ruling party, calling their Dalit outreach programme "a photo op".

ANUPAM JAISWAL'S CLARIFICATION

As her controversial remark gained traction, Anupam Jaiswal came forward to give her side of the story:

"My statement has been misinterpreted. I was asked if artificial arrangements are being made for ministers during their visits to villagers to curb the problem of mosquitoes. In response I said that despite of mosquitoes, we are happy to visit the homes of Dalits," Jaiswal clarified.

"We are committed to work for the betterment of all sections of the society. I will not apologise. I will continue to work for the people. I am happy that media has come to me for clarification," she said.

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