AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has tied up with Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar for 2019 polls and calls alliance an assertion of Dalit, Muslim and OBC rights.
New Delhi: Oppressed communities have historically been squeezed between the BJP and Congress which have never catered to their needs, said Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), days after his party announced a tie-up with Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar for the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Maharashtra.
“We have been squeezed between two big national parties… They have used us for votes but never catered to the communities’ needs,” Owaisi told ThePrint. “But we aren’t just born to vote,” he added, explaining that the alliance was a kind of self-assertion by Muslims, Dalits and OBCs.
The AIMIM and the Prakash Ambedkar-led Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) announced an alliance in Maharashtra on 2 October.
‘Oppressed must come together’
Owaisi said the alliance was “socially and politically very relevant” as it signifies the coming together of oppressed communities.
“It is the alliance of the oppressed. Our issues and problems are the same — there is backwardness, discrimination, political under-representation,” Owaisi said.
“So, it is crucial that we come together, and Prakash Ambedkar has the stature suited to lead these communities.”
The alliance between the AIMIM and BBM was, however, not a Dalit-Muslim alliance since the alliance included several oppressed groups, including the OBCs and not just Dalits and Muslims, Owaisi explained.
Asked if the AIMIM intended to replicate the alliance in other parts of the country, he said, “There is no such specific roadmap yet. As of now, there is only an alliance in Maharashtra… But it is my hope that in the run-up to 2019 polls, these communities come together in other parts as well.”
‘BJP’s B-Team’
While the Shiv Sena dismissed the alliance as BJP’s B-Team, Owaisi said the party should first leave the BJP and then hurl these accusations.
“You are in power in Maharashtra, you are in power at the Centre… First, kick the power, and then attack (us),” he said.
“Farmers are dying in Maharashtra, the Bhima-Koregaon incident happened in Maharashtra, and the Shiv Sena kept silent.”
Also read: We need more youth in politics, but there should be no age cap on politicians: Owaisi
Dalit leader, Ashok Bharti, who earlier worked with Ambedkar, but parted ways over some differences earlier this year said, “Dalits and minorities are coming together to build an alliance against the BJP everywhere…There is an unparalleled alliance across the country.”
He, however, did not rule out the possibility of the alliance helping the BJP in Maharashtra.
“This alliance could create a third-front, and a third-front is bound to benefit the BJP,” he said. “The secular forces, including the Congress and the NCP, should be forced to think after this, otherwise it will damage them,” he added.
Mr.Owaisi,you were a part of UPA for 10 long years and now when it’s out of power you are finding faults with the Congress….Shame on you.
Now you are shedding tears for the Dalits and want to take them for a ride.
Sorry….You cannot fool the Dalit voters ,they are smart enough to see through your deception…
We muslims dalits and various oppressed ones are made to wait upon the powers that be for the last 70 years. Now in this alliance we see the light of dawn of power sharing. Of course the high cast communalists and their brainless other companions are aghast at this prospective. They will naturally make a lot of noises. History of India is on the threshold of huge change towards justice and equality. O!! the Oppressed of India, UNITE!!!
Owaisi is a foolish fellow
These guys in the name of oppression of minorities and backward lot all the while availing largesse of the government has been milking the governments in power to their personal gain without any contribution to their community leave alone the country.Like a dog walking below the Bullock cart thinks it moves the cart.
Owaisi … Please list out your achievements done by you in your constituency….
First , Mr. Owaisi , you continue your trade mark divisive politics with your community . Why , you always want to rope in and give a facade of a ‘ Champion ‘ of Dalits of India also ? So , you think that will give a ‘ greater ‘ handle for your known objectives in this country ? But , unfortunately for you , Dalits are not fools to fall in your trap . They are quite capable of taking care of themselves and have great many supporters and sympathisers of them in this country , okay ?