Bhim Army led by the fiery Dalit activist Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Raavan’ has called for ‘Delhi Bandh’ on Aug 21, followed by a mega protest at Jantar Mantar against the recent demolition of ancient Ravidas Mandir in Tughlakabad area. The Bhim Army has requested its workers across the country to come to Delhi for a day-long protest demanding handing back the temple land to the followers of Guru Ravidas and to rebuild the temple on the spot.
Party fouder Azad said, “The Brahminical BJP government and judges in the name of land encroachment gave demolition orders as the teachings of Guru Ravidas are against the idea of Hindu Rashtra,” adding the particular structure was a historical place and people from the Ravidas community strongly believe that Guru Ravidas himself visited the site and took rest there. “The place was also known as Vishramsthali of Guru Ravidas,” he said.
Bhim Army also hit out BJP and AAP government and said both Centre and Delhi governments are responsible for the condemnable act. “The Supreme Court also has given orders for reservation in promotion, but that is not implemented yet. However, when demolition orders are given for Ravidas Temple then demolition begins within days. Bhim Army workers from across the country and followers of Guru Ravidas will be turning up in huge numbers on August 21 in Delhi for protest,” added Bhim Army Chief.
Earlier, Bhim Army had held a protest in Punjab on August 13 against the demolition of ancient Guru Ravidas Temple. Meanwhile, BSP supremo Mayawati alleged that the act showed the casteist mentality of the two parties, the AAP government of Delhi and the BJP at the centre.
The former UP chief minister said that the BSP has strongly opposed the razing of the temple and demands that the two governments now come to an understanding and rebuild the temple by sharing the expense.
The centuries-old temple Guru Ravidas temple was demolished on August 9 by the Delhi Development Authority as part of a drive to carry out Supreme Court orders. The demolition has led to a massive controversy and protests by Dalit groups, particularly in Punjab, where demonstrators called for a bandh, blocked roads and took out marches.
(UNI)
