Maharashtra Bhikkhu Sangh to enter political arena

Mumbai, Mar 29 (UNI) Maharashtra Bhikkhu Sangh, the association of Dalit Buddhist monks in the state, has decided to enter the political arena.

The Dalit Buddhist monks have organised a ''Sanghraj Sangharsh Yatra'' all over Maharashtra to protest the death of 76-year-old Dalit Buddhist monk Bhante Sanghraj here in eastern suburb on January 6 and the ineffectiveness of the city police in arresting and punishing the culprit.

Nandbodhi Mahathero, working president of the association, said, ''The rally will start on April 15 and will continue till the culprits are punished.'' Mr Mahathero added the monks will start a political party called Republican Samaj Party and will work for the betterment of the society and all castes.

Political parties, which were started with the intention of uplifting Dalits, have betrayed us and the leaders have joined hands with other political parties for their personal benefits, he added.

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