Dalit leaders seek unity, self-respect in Maharashtra

Mumbai, May 26 (UNI) Buoyed by the resounding success of Bahujan Samaj Party in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the faction-ridden Dalit leadership in Maharashtra has advocated forging a united front.

Delivering his inaugural speech at the two-day ''Boudha Dhammadiksha Golden Jubilee Celebrations'' to commemorate the 50th year of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar embracing Buddhism, Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale said what happened in Uttar Pradesh can very well happen in Maharashtra also, if the upper castes and other backward classes extend their support to the RPI.

''We have a stronghold in the state already, but we needed co-ordinated efforts,'' Mr Athawale said.

He said although various political parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, and others accepted the ideology of Lord Buddha, they were reluctant to see RPI heading the state.

Another strongman from Maharashtra and labour union leader Mr Vijay Kamble exhorted the need for introspection by the Dalit leaders as to why they should need someone else's support? ''Why can't they sefeguard their self respect as desired by Dr Ambedkar,'' he asked.

''It is possible for the Dalit leaders in the state to extend the benefits to the poor and needy through co-ordinated efforts,'' Mr Kamble, who has been instrumental in organising the golden jubilee celebrations, said.

Lok Sabha member from Dadar Mr Eknath Gaikwad who had won the elections from the non-reserved constituency by defeating Shiv Sena heavy-weight and former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi, in his remarks, said casteism in India was now waning as proved by his victory.

Without referring to Ms Mayawati's electoral success with the help of upper caste and OBCs in UP, Mr Gaikwad, however, said he was not in favour of any adjustments as it would go against Dr Ambedkar's teachings.

UNI