Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 15: “The Congress leaders have become like zero watt bulbs in our district. They could not even get us a permit for Mahisha Dasara. The Police department didn’t give us the permission for Mahisha Dasara even after the home minister’s personal assistant called them,” said Jayan Malpe, Dalit leader at the “Mahishtosava” programme organised by the Ambedkar Yuvasene here.

Lashing out at the ruling party at the programme, Jayan Malpe said, “Many created problems for not allowing this programme to happen, but it is due to the support and dedication of our youths that they did not bend their knees for these problems. My community is lost amidst the celebrations of  Vedic culture. We are hurt that the district administration and the police department for whom it is their duty to protect the constitution hit us from the back by imposing prohibitory orders. The Superintendent of Police denied permission citing various reasons. The home minister of this state is a Dalit, the circle inspector, the police inspector, belonging to Dalit community could have walked out of their service from the department condemning the  actions of SP, but they did not do so. Our whole community supported the Congress party. It was the only hope amidst the RSS’s motives of constitutional damage.  We strived unanimously for bringing this government to power, but it is with a heavy heart I'm telling that this government didn’t uphold the intent of the constitution. The local Congress leaders had assured us to get the permission but they did not succeed in their efforts” he said.

Vittala Vaggar, a scholar and Dalit activist of Kalburgi was the chief guest for the programme. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “No one has come for our protection after the death of Dr B R Ambedkar. Our roots and our identity is being hindered today. There is a need to come out of superstition. Mahisha Dasara is not against anyone, but it is a cultural fest of our identity.  We should ask for protection not permission. Permission is already given in the constitution under Article 14. We should come out from the calves of emotions. We should learn about the CrPC and IPC sections along with the constitution and should make use of it. As per the constitution it is our right to read, write and propagate about scientific-based things. After the demise of Dr B R Ambedkar the  cultural constitution is ruling over the political constitution. The rule of law is based on witnesses and not on beliefs. The word “Rakshasa” as per the Valmiki Ramayana states him as protector. This means the native race of the land are the protectors of the land.”

A short procession was also taken by the leaders within the premises of Ambedkar Bhavana on the occasion.

Leaders Sri Ram Diwana, Narayana Manur, Dayanand Kapettu, Lokesh Paubidri, Ambedkar Yuva Sene president Harish Salian, Shekar Hejamady and others were present on the occasion.