Nearly 450 prominent persons from different walks of life —including popular Chhattisgarhi film actor Anuj Sharma and folk dancer Radheshyam Barle — joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday.
The list includes ex-bureaucrats, politicians, community leaders, besides producers, directors, production manager of Chhattisgarh Film Industries and farmers, said a statement by the party.
Mr. Sharma and Mr. Barle are both Padma Shri awardees, and their induction is being seen as a move to counter the ruling Congress’ narrative that it promotes Chhattisgarhi culture. Nationally, the party has roped in Bhojpuri actors, singers and even bhajan singers with clouts in regional pockets to build momentum.
