‘Muslims, dalits must unite against BJP before LS polls’

LUCKNOW: Stressing on the need for Dalit-Muslim-Backwards unity, the Bhim Army said on Thursday that Muslims had been ‘cheated’ by their leaders and should consider carefully with whom they go in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

“Muslims have been sidelined by those leaders and parties for whom they have been voting till now,” Bhim Army chief Chandrashekar said, speaking about the outfit’s campaign to unite dalits, Muslims and backwards.

“Muslims should understand where their interest lies. They should set a benchmark to see if those they have been voting for are really working for them,” he said. “The Muslims’ interest lies with dalits. I think if there is social harmony between them, no politician will be able to divide them. Both sections have remained deprived for long. I realise their weakness and tell them where their interest lies,” he added. On whether lack of well- accepted Muslim leadership is a hurdle to dalit-Muslim unity, Chandrashekar said, “Yes, I feel so. Muslims had to face moblynching in past years but no political party came forward for them. It’s obvious Muslims are cheated for votes,” he said.

Recalling Muslims’ ‘historical support’ to dalit icon B R Ambedkar, Chandrasehkar said, “We will try to give leadership to Muslims and take Bhim Army forward. If there is social harmony, there will be no riots,” he said.