BJP plans outreach to marginalised groups with an eye on electoral benefits

The party's backing of Ms Draupadi Murmu for India's presidency is part of this strategy, analysts said. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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NEW DELHI - India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is led by popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a strong grip on power, is seeking to increase its influence by wooing marginal communities.

Its backing of Ms Draupadi Murmu, a tribal leader and governor of Jharkhand state who is the leading contender for India's presidency, is part of this strategy, analysts said.

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