Dalits pay tribute to Ambedkar, say they need leaders in Maha
MUMBAI: Akshay Pawar, 22, an engineer from the city, visits Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar, the place where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was buried, on his death anniversary (December 6) since childhood every year. But this young face of the community, who is aware of their struggles, feels their leaders have failed them.
As lakhs of Dalits , like Pawar, gathered at Shivaji Park in Dadar on Thursday to pay tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary, the Bhimakoregaon incident on January 1, lack of leadership, reservation, unemployment and drought emerged as major concerns.
“Our leaders have not built a university or hospital for us. Our political representation continues to be pathetic. How can we progress socially and politically if our leaders continue to pursuit their vested goals, disregarding the community,” asked Pawar.
Some of them were angry that Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, suspected to be the main accused, went scot-free, while Dalit victims were termed accused in the Bhima-koregaon incident.
“I voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 as I was tired of the scams of the Congressled government. But now we have seen their anti-dalit stance,” said Pradeep Makeshwar, who works in a multinational firm in Mumbai.
Surajgautam,anothervisitor, said, “Innocent Dalits were attacked, but the state is openly supporting the accused. How can we trust this government with our life and property? We have lost faith in it.”
Laxman Sonawane, a businessman, said the fear of unemployment and tinkering of their constitutional right to reservation loomed large.
“The reservation is not of much help. The government is busy outsourcing many of its departments to the private sector. The current government is trying to change the Constitution that gives us rights. This is causing
anxiety among community members,” said Sonawane.
For Dalits living in rural areas, the unprecedented drought is the topmost concern. Bhima Wable, 56, a farmer from Hingoli, who has been visiting the Chaityabhoomi for the past 40 years, said, “There was no rain and the crop has been destroyed. But nobody
offered to help us.”
When asked why he comes to Mumbai despite all difficulties, Wable said it was to pay respects to the leader who fought for their rights.
“Dr Ambedkar made us realise that even we are human beings and his Constitution treats everyone equally,” said Wable.