Lucknow: BJP ally Apna Dal (S) chief and Union minister Anupriya Patel on Saturday reiterated her demand for a separate ministry for the backward classes on the lines of ministry of minority affairs and ministry of tribal affairs.Addressing party workers during an event organised to mark the death anniversary of party founder Sone Lal Patel, Anupriya said that the fight for the rights of the backward sections of society was a core component of Apna Dal (S)’s commitment.Highlighting the role of Apna Dal (S) on the issue of reservation—from NEET to outsourced recruitment—Anupriya claimed that it was due to the party’s efforts that OBC reservation was implemented in the NEET examination. Regarding outsourced recruitment, she pointed out that Apna Dal (S) raised this matter firmly and succeeded in ensuring its implementation.She remarked that Apna Dal (S) may be a small party in terms of size, but it plays a significant role in the struggle for the rights of backward classes and marginalised sections. She asserted her party was prepared for the upcoming assembly elections and would enter the fray with full strength to ensure a ‘hat-trick’ of victories for the NDA alliance.She urged party workers to dedicate their full strength to the upcoming assembly elections, emphasising that every single vote must go to the NDA alliance. She underscored that strengthening the alliance is a shared goal, and Apna Dal (S) stands firmly behind its candidates to ensure the NDA achieves a hat-trick of victories in the upcoming elections.Regarding seat-sharing within the NDA, she noted that this matter would be discussed internally among the alliance partners. Anupriya targeted the opposition, stating that those who enjoyed power in both the Central and state govts never gave serious thought to the interests of the backward classes. She also questioned the stance of opposition parties on the issue of a caste census. She emphasised that in a democracy, one must win hearts of people. Party workers should remain among the public, raise their concerns, fight for their rights and propagate the ideals of Sonelal Patel. She targeted the opposition over the protests in Delhi.
