Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal
Bhopal, Jul 13: In a strategic move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday held its first-ever Nishadraj Sammelan, aimed at forging a cultural and economic connect with the fishing-dependent Nishad community, which holds significant electoral weight in both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Held in Bhopal, the event was named after Nishadraj, the revered boatman and loyal friend of Lord Ram, who aided Ram, Sita and Laxman during their exile. The cultural symbolism was matched by major welfare announcements for the Nishad community.
“This Sammelan is not just a welfare initiative, but an emotional and cultural bond,” said Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. “Our fishermen show immense courage braving water depths to earn a living — just as Maharaj Nishadraj recognised Lord Ram’s divinity and stood by him.”
The BJP hopes this outreach will resonate with the Nishad and Manjhi vote banks, which influence nearly 45 of Bihar’s 243 assembly seats. The Madhya Pradesh government’s engagement with Bihar-origin communities has intensified, earlier marked by grand celebrations during Bihar Day under the "Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat" initiative.
The Sammelan also came with key development promises:
• Fisherman Credit Cards were distributed to 2 lac families
• 453 Smart Fish Parlours to be set up with Rs 22.65 cr investment
• 3,360 Cage Fish Farming Units to launch at Indira Sagar Dam with Rs 92 cr outlay
• State-of-the-art Aqua Park to come up in Bhopal at Rs 40 cr
• Modern Hatchery for fish seed production at Rs 217 cr, aiming to reduce dependence on Bengal
Declaring fishery a ‘new-age industry,’ Yadav stressed on modernisation, skill development and youth employment.
The government also announced a grand statue of Lord Nishadraj in Sairspata, Bhopal, reinforcing its cultural messaging with a lasting symbol.
While former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had commemorated Fishermen Welfare Day on July 10 annually, the Nishadraj Sammelan marks a more calculated political pivot — blending mythology, livelihood, and electoral strategy.