Ahinda groups must develop political awareness, says Yathindra Siddaramaiah
Ahinda (minorities, backward classes and Dalit communities) organisations must expand their presence from the State and district levels to villages and strengthen political awareness among
Ahinda (minorities, backward classes and Dalit communities) organisations must expand their presence from the State and district levels to villages and strengthen political awareness among people to ensure social and political empowerment, said Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah. Addressing a conference organised by the Bidar district unit of Shoshita Samudayagala Okkuta here on Tuesday, Mr. Yathindra said the development of marginalised communities was possible only when they became politically conscious. “People from oppressed communities must stand together against injustice and work towards gaining political strength from the gram panchayat level.
Only then can they secure equal rights and become part of the mainstream,” the Minister said. Yathindra said social reformers such as Buddha, Basaveshwara, and B.R. Ambedkar had fought against caste-based discrimination and social inequalities for decades. However, caste divisions continued to exist, making unity among marginalised communities essential, he added. He said the Ahinda movement had helped create political awareness among backward and oppressed sections and stressed the need to protect the Constitution, implement the caste survey report and ensure reservation based on population.
“Equality is the foundation of the Constitution. We must strengthen organisations working for social justice and continue the struggle for constitutional rights,” he said. Congress MP Sagar Khandre said efforts should be made to strengthen the representation of Ahinda communities and added that he had already conveyed his views on providing greater representation to such sections in party and local administrative positions. All India Congress Committee observer Rajesh Lilothia said the struggle for social justice was centred around protecting constitutional values and urged people to work towards safeguarding equality and democratic rights.
Minister Rahim Khan, former MLA Ashok Kheny, BUDA president Basavaraj Jabashetty and leaders of Okkuta were present.
The BriefWire