Addressing a public rally — Samvidhan Ke Sanman Mein — at Shivaji Park in Dadar in Mumbai, the grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar said that the reservation politics that has divided Marathas and OBCs is also an instrument to achieve its stated objective.
“The RSS/ BJP are determined to change the Indian Constitution. Their objective is to replace Indian Constitution with Manu Smriti. They want to dictate terms and take away the freedom, dignity and right to speak promised by Indian Constitution to every individual irrespective of caste, class,community or religion."
Cautioning the OBCs and Marathas to see the right wing’s larger game plan, Ambedkar said, “The bogey of reservation where Maratha are at loggerheads with OBCs is deliberately fuelled by the BJP. They want to divide and rule people. A policy which British adopted to rule Indian in the past.”
Stating that the Marathas deserve reservation, Prakash Ambedkar said, “We have always maintained that both Marathas and OBCs should get separate quota.” He also slammed the rich and upper class Marathas for exploiting the poor within the community.
Urging the people to renew their pledge to save and honour Indian Constitution, Prakash Ambedkar said, “The Hindu Rashtra agenda of RSS/BJP goes against the Constitution. When the Constitution was framed, Dr BR Ambedkar had ensured region or rituals should be confined to individuals and homes. It should not become a state subject. Today, the RSS and BJP are bringing in religion and rituals to the centrestage... India is a secular nation that allows diversity.”
The VBA also took a dig at OBC leaders NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal and OBC Jan Morcha president Prakash Shendge by questioning their commitment to Mandal Commission. “When the Janata Party was fighting for Mandal Commission rights, Bhujbal and Shendge were with Kamandal.”
Earlier, state Congress president Nana Patole pledged support in the fight for saving and honoring the Indian Constitution. “ The Congress is committed to support and work with all outfits that believe in the Indian Constitution.”
Patole’s presence is likely to signal the first step by the Congress to join hands with VBA ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.
Tweets by @RahulGandhi
