'Madae Snana' protesters may seek Mayawati’s help

The row over Madae Snana in the Kukke Subramanya temple may echo in the Lok Sabha if Shivaramu, the crusader against Madae Snana, has his way. “They have not hurt me, but they have hurt the sentiments of the entire Dalit community. I understand that people who roughed me up were tribals working in the temple, but I see the brutal hands of the government behind the attack on Dr Gopal  and me,” Shivaramu, president of Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Balaga, told DNA.

“These Malaekudiya tribals are innocent victims of the temple. They are made to work day and night and on occasion such as the incident on Wednesday, they (temple authorities) use them to rough up people who question the authority of the temple,” said Shivaramu.

“Every blow I received on my body has made by resolve stronger to fight the superstition of Madae Snana. My associates and I have started collecting historical facts from various research scholars and the government notices restricting Madae Snana. When our research is complete, the Balaga will sensitise all Dalit MPs and MLAs in different states. We may also ask people’s representatives of all levels to begin awareness programmes in their respective constituencies. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati can help me in taking this movement ahead,” added Shivaramu.