With eye on Dalit vote, Modi calls for end to manual scavenging

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a major outreach to Dalits by calling for an end to manual scavenging as India celebrates the 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar. He also announced an international centre in Ambedkar’s name in Delhi and grant of land in Mumbai for an Ambedkar memorial.

Regretting the continuance of manual scavenging, Modi sought cooperation from society in the resolve to get rid of this “blot”. “Does it behove us that manual scavenging is still continuing in the country? I have emphasized that we must get rid of this blot in the 125th anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. We will not tolerate a situation where any of the poor persons has to engage in manual scavenging,” he said in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.

“We need the cooperation of society. The government will have to carry out its responsibility. I need the support of people to fulfill this endeavour,” he added.

The statements assume significance in the context of upcoming assembly elections in Bihar where BJP is hoping to get a sizable share of Dalit votes. In the wake of former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, a Musahar, having been unceremoniously dethroned by Nitish Kumar, the current CM is on a sticky wicket as far as his ‘Mahadalit’ constituency is concerned.

They have significance for UP too, which goes to polls in 2017 but where Dalits have already shown a liking for the BJP in the 2014 general elections. BJP and Sangh Parivar’s attempt to co-opt Ambedkar is in line with its effort to spread its influence among the socially disadvantaged in UP at a time when Mayawati has suffered serious electoral setbacks.

Modi said his government has decided to give land in Mumbai for building of a memorial for Ambedkar. The land was in dispute for several years, he said.

Similarly, in Delhi, an international centre in Ambedkar’s name would be established where intellectuals from across the world would research his works and get to know his contributions better, Modi said, adding that the foundation stone of this complex had been laid after two decades.

“What was not done in 20 years, we have pledged to do it in 20 months,” he said.

Invoking Ambedkar, the PM said the architect of the Indian Constitution, throughout his life, kept advocating the need for education for all. “But even today, education has not reached Dalits, oppressed and deprived sections of the society, especially the girls,” he said.

“In the 125th birth anniversary year, let us resolve that the daughters of even the poorest of the poor will not remain uneducated in villages, cities or mohallas,” he added.

The PM said the government will do its duty and the society should join in this effort so that everyone has the satisfaction.

Source: The Times of India