BHOPAL: In a bid to soothe the ruffled feathers of upper castes, the state BJP has chalked out a detailed plan ahead of its mega workers' convention by holding discussions and travelling to rural belts to placate them. BJP stalwarts Ramlal and Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who would arrive for the 'Karyakarta Mahakumbh' on Monday, are likely to hold talks with some upper caste groups, said sources in the party.After chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan 's assurance that there would be no arrest without thorough probe under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the upper caste groups are seeking concrete action, instead of promises. Sources in the saffron party said that the leaders are more keen in making the `Mahakumbh' successful in order to create an impact ahead of assembly polls in the state."Many meetings are being held by various pro-and anti-quota groups and they have threatened to either not to vote BJP or press NOTA button during elections. Moreover, any division in votes will have an adverse impact on Lok Sabha elections as well", said a senior BJP state functionary.Ramlal had earlier held meetings with traders and employees in view of the growing unrest. Now, the party wants to rope in Sahasrabuddhe to pacify the agitated Brahmin groups who have formed their unions not only in Madhya Pradesh , but also in more than four Hindi-speaking states.Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar and other cabinet minsiters of the state government have also reached the state capital to plan the crucial meeting."The party would focus on word-of-mouth campaign regarding the chief minister's assurance to the upper castes, though rival political parties and some social groups have already launched campaign against the statement to foil BJP's plan. But, we are sure that the upper caste voters do not have much option, but to vote for us. They are venting their anger ahead of assembly polls which will dissipate by the time the Lok Sabha elections are held," said a senior BJP leader.The BJP leaders have also been asked to travel to blocks and districts in their areas of influence to pacify the upper caste members ahead of elections. The saffron groups have been asked to convince upper caste voters, who have been the traditional supporters of the party.However, senior party office-bearers said that there will be no going back on the law as it helps BJP gain votes from the reserved communities across the country. During the Mahakumbh, the party will also give a clear message to woo both anti and pro-quota groups. “We will have to curb the upper caste anger without going back on the law,” said a senior party leader."More than 10 lakh workers have been called for the mega convention and the show of strength would decide where the party would stand in the coming polls", said a senior leader.

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