Karnataka: Dalits ‘cleanse’ Ambedkar statue with milk in Hubballi

HUBBALI: Members of Dalit community on Monday “cleansed” a statue of B R Ambedkar here with milk claiming that the statue has been polluted due to garlanding by ‘Manuvadis.’

They said the BJP leaders and right-wing activists, who are against the ideology of Ambedkar, had garlanded the statue on his 127th birth anniversary on Saturday. “The BJP and right-wing activists, for the purpose of publicity, had paid floral tribute to Babasaheb. But the fact is that they hate him a lot,” they said. Vijay Guntral, a prominent Dalit leader, told TNIE, “As the statue was touched by the BJP leaders and ‘Manuvadis’, it had become impure.”

He said, “These BJP leaders claim that they will change the Constitution. They are also trying to suppress the voice of Dalits by diluting the SC/ST Act. After Modi becoming the Prime Minister, atrocities on Dalits have reached a new height in the country. If the situation continues like this, how can Dalits tolerate them (BJP leaders)?” he asked. “It is just a warning to anti- Dalits and Manuvadis to purify their conscience,” said Guntral. Samata Sena leader Gurunath Ullikashi and Peetambarappa Bilar were present. They also cleaned the premises where the statue is situated.