BJP launches Rs 30 thali on anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyaya in temple town of Pandharpur

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (NJP) on Tuesday launched an economy lunch `thali` to mark the 52nd death anniversary of Bharatiya Jan Sangh leader Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya in the temple town of Pandharpur here.

Priced at Rs 30, it comes barely a fortnight after the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government launched a `Shiv Bhojan thali` at Rs 10 a head for the poor from January 26 as a pilot project.

State BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said that women`s self-help groups affiliated to the BJP are preparing the food for the `Deendayal thali` which comprises three chapatis, two vegetables, a bowl of rice and chutney-pickle.

"This is purely our independent initiative, we are not taking any financial help from the government. On the inaugural day, we were prepared with 75 `Deendayal thalis`, but the demand was a lot more, so we shall cater to it accordingly from tomorrow," Bhandari told IANS.

In contrast, the `Shiv Bhojan thali` includes two chapatis, one vegetable, a bowl of rice, dal and dessert and has become popular especially in the rural areas.

After the initial launch at a centre near the famed temple of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini in Pandharpur, it will be made available around the state subsequently, Bhandari added.

It may be recalled that prior to the last Assembly elections, the BJP had announced a Rs 25 per plate `Atal thali` scheme, subject to the party winning the polls.

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However, since it did not come to power, the `Atal thali` scheme plan was abandoned and now it has unveiled the `Deendayal thali`, and this will continue irrespective of whether the party is in government or not.