Dalit activists thrust with Naxal tag
Government seems to have decided to make a organized effort on silencing the dalit movements in the country, especially after the stupendous response Koregaon and Una marches drew. Politicians are restless over the steam Dalit and minority movements are gathering. Chalo Una march finally gave a totally new MLA to the country in the form of Jignesh Mevani. This is probably sounding like a warning bell to the upper caste and class people. When Dalits took to streets opposing attempts to weaken the the act to protect dalits and minorities, police and upper class goondas tried silencing them forcefully, thus claiming lives of 10 dalits in the clashes that ensued.
Though police firing was ordered to contain the mobs, some of them were allegedly killed by the gunshots fired by upper class local leaders, in this pretext. BJP leaders are also said to have assaulted Dalits and other members. Many Dalit leaders still live under fear owing to this, and they are forced to attend to multiple hearings of court cases that were filed with the sole intention of systematically harassing them. During the celebration of Koregaon Vijay Diwas, Sangh Parivar and Police machinery attacked dalits simultaneously. This occasion has been troubling the upper class/caste society in Maharashtra since long because this is the day when Dalits joined hands with British and defeated the Peshwas who are also Brahmins. The Dalit Mahad soldiers opposed the discriminatory attitude of Brahmin Peshwes and stood with British to end their rule, and secured their self-respect. RSS has always fired its shots while placing the gun on Maratha shoulders.
Brahmin Peshwes are quite alike the RSS form of nationalism. So, to celebrate a day of victory over Peshwes by Dalits is like hitting the RSS where it hurts the most. Though this celebration was on since many years, RSS didn’t have the courage to oppose it. But now since the organization functions like a quasi government, it would rather clinch the opportunity and make its point known. Even the cops have joined hands with them. With this confidence, RSS tried destructing the Jignesh meet. Things spiraled out of control and violence spread like wildfire. Though it has been months since this happened, efforts are on to assault Dalits and push them into silence through institutional routes. Government has withdrawn many cases against Sangh Parivar activists who were involved in Koregaon violence, but the Dalits continue to be arrested under various charges. Ironically, the ones who consolidated Dalits for this Vijay Diwas are being given the tag of ‘Naxals’ and a serious allegation has been levelled against them of having plotted the assassination of Prime Minister Modi.
As the elections draw close, numerous ‘conspiracy theories’ attributed to Indian Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba get published in the media. The ‘intelligence sources’ float these theories themselves, and push people into a state of emotional distraught owing to delicate nature of the rumours. They try to create the ‘lone protector’ image pertaining to BJP. Media sell colourful stories to ensure this version is bought effectively. Many innocent muslims would be taken into ‘preventive custody’ too to ensure the projection of ‘culprit’ image gets a boost. Whenever Muslims have tried to come together, they have been called extremists or their organisations have been identified as national threats or are called terrorist organisation, thus ruining political consolidation of this community.
Now the same plan is being adapted for Dalits. Recently farmers and laborers held a long march to Mumbai. This gathered much media space. But the farmers and labourers were called ‘naxals’ and there were futile attempts to silence them. But now, with bigger conspiracy of ‘plotting the assassination of Modi’ is being attributed to them, the naxals. With this cops have tried to aim at two aspects. One is to ensure dalits stay off any movements, especially that of Koregaon kind of movements. Second one is to erode sympathy among dalits about their own counterparts. This may also put an end to Koregaon kind of marches and celebrations. Later, if Dalits are blamed for plotting Modi’s assassination, the PM would naturally claim a good share of sympathy votes, making significant contribution to 2019 elections. More than this, activists and others would be arrested without any particular reason, because they are turning into quite a challenge for the current ruling dispensation. All this is a preparation for that. If this continues, hundreds of dalits will have to join many muslims who have been rotting in jail for no reason at all. However Dalits and other communities have to ensure they protest against such immature allegations that are made with mala fide intentions.
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Hemant Karkare killed by RSS-linked cop, not Kasab: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar
BJP writes to ECI for action against Cong leader Wadettiwar for 'defaming' Ujjwal Nikam
Mumbai, May 5: The BJP has written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Congress and the opposition leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, for allegedly peddling lies and defaming its Mumbai North Central nominee and ex-26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.
Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, purportedly called Nikam an "anti-national" and accused him of hiding the information that then Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare wasn't killed by Kasab's bullet during the 26/11 terror attack, but fell to a bullet of a policeman affiliated to RSS.
His allegations were based on the book "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff.
"As a responsible leader, the opposition leader should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation," Nikam said.
Terming Wadettiwar's statements as "false and not based on facts", Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar claimed they were aimed at defaming Ujjwal Nikam and inciting emotions.
"We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added.
Shelar further said (Ajmal) Kasab was sentenced to death for killing innocent people after following a due process of law.
Kasab was the lone terrorist who was captured alive by Mumbai Police during the 26/11 terror attack by Pakistani terrorists in which at least 166 people were killed and several others were injured.
Shelar wondered whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray supported the statement made by the Congress leader.
A former special public prosecutor, Nikam had represented the state in high-profile cases like the Mumbai serial bomb blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
He is making his political foray from Mumbai North Central seat on a BJP ticket and is pitted against city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad.
