The RPI’s annual rally at the historic ground will explore and explain to Dalits the concept of Shiv Shakti-Bhim Shakti.
The Republican Party of India (RPI) has decided to showcase the new political alignment with the Shiv Sena-BJP combine at Shivaji Park on the occasion of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary on Tuesday.
Despite alliance with the Sena-BJP, the RPI has retained its original colour symbolically depicting there is no shift from its ideology. The RPI’s annual rally at the historic ground will explore and explain to Dalits the concept of Shiv Shakti-Bhim Shakti.
“Ever since I took the decision to shun the Congress and the NCP, there is an intense campaign launched against me and my organization to tarnish our image. We have to set things right,” RPI chief Ramdas Athavale said.
Dalits across Maharashtra who converge on December 6 to pay their reverence to Ambedkar are raising questions whether the RPI has decided to follow Hindutva by joining hands with the saffron combine.
Dalits are wondering how the RPI can pursue its ideology hobnobbing with the Sena -BJP combine. These are some of the questions, which Athavale wants to remove from the minds of Dalits ahead of the civic elections.
“I want to send a strong message that there was no ideological shift in the RPI. Moreover, the decision to join the Sena-BJP alliance was a tactical move towards empowerment of Dalits who have often been exploited by the ruling Congress-NCP combine,” Athavale said. The RPI has extended invitation for the grand rally to second rung leaders of Sena and BJP.
“We want Athavale to be the star of the rally. And we don’t want it to turn into a personality based event. What is more significant is the message he would convey to the Dalits,” RPI activists said.
Dalit writer Arjun Dangle said, “The Gennext Dalits are well aware about Congress-NCP’s betrayal to Athavale. They are ready to accept the Sena-BJP as an alternative. As far as ideological differences are concerned, we will always maintain our stand.”
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