Dalits yet to get freedom, says former official

Mysuru observes Babu Jagjivan Ram death anniversary

 Former Deputy Director of Pre-University Education H M Rudraswamy, on Wednesday, lamented that Dalit leaders in various political parties have turned into adopted sons of their respective parties that are based on caste system and so, Dalits are yet to get freedom.

He was delivering a lecture on ‘Dalit Politics in Modern India and Leadership’, organised by University of Mysore (UoM) Babu Jagjivan Ram Studies, Research and Extension Centre, at Manasagangothri, to mark Jagjivan Ram’s 30th death anniversary.

Rudraswamy said, though there are more than 125 MPs and nearly 1,000 legislators belonging to the Dalit communities in the country, the deprived classes are still striving for their constitutional rights. “Though Dalits have the right to education and employment and participate in politics, they are not working for the welfare of the deprived communities. Even today, Dalits are not in a position to decide their political leaders. Every political party’s high command decides Dalit leaders. Though Dalits enjoy powers, they are yet to get independence,” he opined.

Speaking about Jagjivan Ram, Rudraswamy said, Ram grew up as a national leader by fighting for freedom along with Mahatma Gandhi. There was no difference between B R Ambedkar and Ram pertaining to social thinking and political stand. It is far from the truth that Gandhi tried to suppress Ambedkar using Jagjivan Ram, said Rudraswamy.

Member of Central Advisory Committee, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Deepak Doddaiah said, Babuji pioneered the Green Revolution and he was the man behind the Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESI) for labourers.

BJP district (rural) president M Shivanna, centre Director K Sadashiva and guest lecturer G S Bhatt were present.

Dignitaries pay homage

A host of dignitaries, including people’s representatives and top officials, paid homage to the former deputy prime minister on his 30th death anniversary by offering floral tributes to his statue in front of the Railway Station, in the City.

MP Pratap Simha, MLAs M K Somashekar, Vasu, and G T Devegowda, Mayor B L Bhyrappa, Zilla Panchayat President Nayeema Sultana, former Mayor Purushotam, Deputy Commissioner C Shikha, Police Commissioner B Dayananda, City Corporation Commissioner C G Betsurmath, ZP CEO Shiva Shankar paid their respects.