Athavale blames Mayawati for her inaction over desecration incident

Mumbai, Dec 6 (UNI) Republican Party of India (RPI-A) president Ramdas Athavale today criticised former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati for not taking out any rally, protesting the desecration of the statue of Dr B R Ambedkar at Kanpur.

Addressing a rally organised at Chaityabhoomi here on the occasion of 50th death anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, Mr Athavale said after the desecration incident, its repercussions were witnessed in Maharashtra but no morcha was organised in Uttar Pradesh.

The criticism is significant as both the parties boast of the same dalit vote bank. While Mr Athavale is close to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Mayawati had thrice joined hands with BJP to become the chief minister there.

Stressing on the need for unity among all the factions of RPI, Mr Athavale said there are at least four factions within the party out of which two are with Congress, while the others are with NCP.

The RPI was with Congress-NCP coalition to keep Shiv Sena-BJP alliance out of power, he said, adding that the party may think of contesting the elections independently though it would not attain power.

Referring to the Khairlanji massacre and other atrocities on dalits, Mr Athavale said action should be taken against the perpetrators.

UNI JM SSS MSJ RS2241