Dalits would vote for Congress, 10 times out of 10

A majority of the thousands of Dalits who gathered to pay homage on Ambedkar Jayanti at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park, seemed to root for the Congress.

The young among them however, endorsed Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati.

“Congress is one party that doesn’t believe in casteism and discrimination,” said Anil Kale. “The Sena-BJP doesn’t dare enter Chaityabhoomi and campaign. We wouldn’t vote for them even in our dreams.”

Shivaji Park on Tuesday was wrapped in blue as — by late evening — at least one lakh Dalits converged on Chaityabhoomi, with marigold garlands to offer at the Ambedkar samadhi there. The event was held on the threshold of the Lok Sabha polls, and needless to say, politics was the topic of discussion.

“We don’t want to waste our votes on Mayawati. Only those capable of coming to power will get our votes, and the Congress has been the party for us,” said Sudhakar Jadhav, another Dalit.

“Young Dalits are revolutionaries who believe in Mayawati. We have faith in her and consider her our saviour. But what’s the use, when her party will not come to power?” said Samson Wankhede, another Ambedkar-ite.

“Other political parties do not want Dalit parties to exist independently. They aim for Dalit votes but want us to remain working class,” said Pravin Yadav, a Dalit from Vikhroli. “We don’t want Dalit votes to be divided. If I am allowed to vote ten times, I’ll vote for the Congress,” said Sunil Bhole.