Row over ‘ dalit mitra’ award to UP CM

The Ambedkar Mahasabha, a leading dalit organisation in Uttar Pradesh has landed in controversy over its decision to confer ‘ dalit Mitra’ award to chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Two of its founder members, S. R. Darapuri, a retired IPS officer, and and Harish Chandra, a retired IAS officer, have opposed the decision and accused that the Mahasabha president Lalji Prasad Nirmal was playing in the BJP hands.

The two members have demanded that the annual general meeting of the Mahasabha to discuss the issue.

The proposed dalit Mitra award is scheduled to be given to Yogi Adityanath on April 14, the birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar in Lucknow.

Mr S. R. Darapuri and Mr Harish Chandra told reporters on Friday that at a time when atrocities on Dalits are increasing, such an award is uncalled for.

The two members have also demanded that disciplinary action be taken against Mr Nirmal, who “has overstepped his authority by announcing an award for the chief minister.”