Shiv Sena-BJP terms renaming of Dadar station as attempt to woo dalits

The opposition Shiv Sena-BJP combine today termed the reported move of NCP, an alliance partner in the ruling Democratic Front (DF) government, to rename Dadar railway station as Chaityabhoomi as a desperate attempt to woo dalits.

"Why should the ruling party, which is in power in the state and Centre make such demand when they can take a decision right away. Dalits can see through their game plan," BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde said at a joint meeting of the Shiv Sena, BJP and RPI (A) ahead of the June 9 rally.

The leaders Manohar Joshi, Ramdas Athavale present at the meeting vowed to make the proposed rally a huge success.

The NCP recently indicated that it was in favour of renaming Dadar railway station as Chaityabhoomi after RPI(A) chief Ramdas Athavale snapped ties with the Congress-NCP and crossed over to the saffron combine.

Chaityabhoomi derived its name after cremation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1956 and is located near Dadar Chowpatty in Mumbai. The site holds significance for dalits as they throng to it in large numbers on the occasion of the death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.