Belagavi: Congress leader Shankar Munavalli has opposed an annual anti-superstition programme held at a city crematorium under the leadership of AICC secretary Satish Jarkiholi as it uses the portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Spearheaded by Jarkiholi, Manav Bandhutva Vedike organizes the programme to mark Ambedkar's death anniversary at a crematorium in Sadashiv Nagar on December 6.
Munavalli said that using Ambedkar's portrait in the crematorium on his death anniversary and distributing sweets during the programme is nothing but insult to the historical personality. "Since Satish Jarkiholi is from the Scheduled Tribe community, he doesn't have the experience of untouchability that haunts people of the Scheduled Caste community. By doing so, Jarkiholi is creating a dispute between SCs and STs," the dalit leader stated.
Munavalli, however, clarified he has no issues if the programme is organized at any other venue except a crematorium.
Meanwhile, Munavalli has put large hoardings on behalf of the federation of North Karnataka dalit organizations across the city, opposing the programme. He is also organizing a parallel programme at Ambedkar Garden. Munavalli said that the issue has been brought to the issue of the Congress top brass, including Mallikarjun Kharge and MP B K Hariprasad, demanding immediate action. He also urged police to take action against the followers of Jarkiholi for threatening him on the social media, using filthy words.
Spearheaded by Jarkiholi, Manav Bandhutva Vedike organizes the programme to mark Ambedkar's death anniversary at a crematorium in Sadashiv Nagar on December 6.
Munavalli said that using Ambedkar's portrait in the crematorium on his death anniversary and distributing sweets during the programme is nothing but insult to the historical personality. "Since Satish Jarkiholi is from the Scheduled Tribe community, he doesn't have the experience of untouchability that haunts people of the Scheduled Caste community. By doing so, Jarkiholi is creating a dispute between SCs and STs," the dalit leader stated.
Munavalli, however, clarified he has no issues if the programme is organized at any other venue except a crematorium.
Meanwhile, Munavalli has put large hoardings on behalf of the federation of North Karnataka dalit organizations across the city, opposing the programme. He is also organizing a parallel programme at Ambedkar Garden. Munavalli said that the issue has been brought to the issue of the Congress top brass, including Mallikarjun Kharge and MP B K Hariprasad, demanding immediate action. He also urged police to take action against the followers of Jarkiholi for threatening him on the social media, using filthy words.
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