Pune: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP from Pimpri-Chinchwad Amar Sable sparked a controversy by alleging that Naxal supporters are trying to penetrate into the Dalit movement. Many Dalit organisations have reacted sharply to this allegation, coming from none other than BJP’s own Dalit face from the State.
Sable made this remark while speaking at a meeting of MPs from Maharashtra and Goa, called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi recently.
A large number of Dalit activists reacted sharply on social media against the allegation. Some are challenging Sable to provide proof of his allegations. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s (AIMIM) Pimpri-Chinchwad branch has issued a press statement, challenging Sable to prove his allegation. In the meeting with the Prime Minister, Sable stated that Ambedkarite organisations are getting support from the Naxal movement against Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
“With this allegation, he is trying to malign the image of Ambedkarite movement in Maharashtra. Therefore he must prove his allegation, failing which, Sable should resign from his post and apologize unconditionally to the Dalit population,” said Dhammraj Salve, spokesperson of AIMIM PCMC.
Sable’s remarks sparked a controversy and Dalit organisations have reacted sharply to his comment, saying that this is an attempt of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to malign the Dalit movement. Sable, while speaking at the meeting called by PM Modi, said, “Due to development work in tribal belts Naxal movement is not getting any response from the tribal population, therefore, they are now concentrating on Dalit movement in urban areas.”
Sable alleged that leaders of the Dalit movement have sympathy towards the Naxal movement.
He added that with the help of these leaders, they have launched propaganda to woo Dalit population in the State. Sable said they have created a base in Ahmednagar and Pune for their activities and propaganda. Some activists, who are now out on bail, are trying to brainwash people.
He claimed that old video clips of alleged atrocity against Dalits are being circulated on social media to incite public sentiments, said Sable.
Sable said, “The Dalit movement, which firmly follows Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, is not going to fall prey to the ultra left movement.
