NCP leaders call to unite dalits, Muslims, OBC

Mumbai, June 25 (UNI) A new non-political front, comprising Dalits, Muslims and OBCs, was launched here, with the objective of consolidating their political strength in Maharashtra.

The front, christened as Dalit-Muslim-OBC Manch, was launched last evening by senior state NCP leader and ex-MLA Ram Pandagale.

Announcing the formation of the front, Mr Pandagale said the new conglomeration would work for the welfare of Muslims, Dalits and the OBCs.

''It is ironical that we are subjected to injustice and maltreatment despite the fact that we are always instrumental in forming any government. The Front will fight against this injustice and help the three communities in getting their dues,'' he said.

Denying that the move was aimed at UP-like experiment, where Chief Minister Mayawati through the same combination rode to power on her own, Mr Pandagale said the newly-created outfit was an independent identity and was not aligned to any political ideology.

Speaking on the occasion, NCP state minority cell president Maulana Abdul Kadeer said, to expand the Front in other parts of the state, a Muslim, Dalit and OBC convention from the Marathwada region will be organised in Aurangabad shortly.

''If Mayawati can bring all the three communities together then we are much better equipped to bring them on a single platform here too. This initiative is sdley aimed at achieving this goal only,'' he said.

''We need to be united and fight for the common cause, which is fight against our perpetual exploitation,'' state NCP general secretary Hakim Munaf said while addressing the gathering.

According to Mr Munaf, there are a number of Parliamentary Assembly seats in the state, where the three communities are in decisive position, and if they come together, the electoral contours in the state would changed completely.

UNI