Politicians Vent at Mahatma Phule Rally in Patna
Patna: Mar. 17, 2007
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Mahatma Phule Rally in Patna
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Photo by Shashi Uttam |
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Thousands of people in Patna gathered at the Gandhi Maidan at a rally organized in honor of the 19th century socialist philosopher Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule who in his early life realized the need for the empowerment of people from the so-called backward class thus earning the honor of the adjective 'Mahatma'.
Organized by the All India Mahatma Phule Samata Council, people from Kushwaha, Saini, Mali and other castes participated in the rally that was led by Janata Dal (U) leader Upendra Kushwaha and the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Chhagan Bhujbal.
"This is not a political rally and is not for or against the ruling NDA government in Bihar," Kushwaha declared adding the purpose of the rally was to restore unity among different caste members and empowerment to people from the backward castes.
Bhujbal demanded reservations for the extremely backward castes (EBC) in educational institutes and entrances in the state Assemblies and the Parliament. He also demanded setting up of a separate ministry to deal with problems faced by the members of the EBCs.
The Maharashtra leader also demanded an end to the reservation for the 'creamy layer', or the more affluent section of the backward community, saying discrepancies and loopholes in the current reservation system has left many deserving candidates behind.
After the initial kumbayah phase, the leaders, however, opened their veiled attack on the Nitish government saying Kushwahas did not want power out of mercy; they deserved it and will continue to fight for their rights.
"They did not want us to have this rally either but today's massive turnout is a slap on their faces," Upendra Kushwaha said without mentioning any names.
Alok Mehta, MP, went one step further saying the NDA leaders in Bihar, prior to the last Assembly elections, had promised to make Upendra Kushwaha the Chief Minister of Bihar if it came into majority in Bihar. "We have been betrayed and we are not going to take it lying down," he said.
Others who lashed out at the Nitish government included Shankar Prasad Tekriwal, Basawan Bhagat, Shakuni Chowdhary, and a number of other former ministers and MLAs.
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