Uddhav urges Neo-Buddhists to join Sena

Nashik, October 23: Uddhav Thackeray, son of Sena supermo Balasaheb Thackeray, today said that the Shiv Sena is not a anti-Dalit party and urged the followers of Dr B R Ambedkar, who have converted to Buddhism, to join the Sena.

Inaugurating the statewide `Asmita (Identity) Yatra’ of Hindu-Dalits organised by the Dalits Samata Parishad and Maharashtra Natang Vikas Parishad, Uddhav pointed out that the Sena has 26 MLAs in its ranks from the backward classes, which proves that casteism is not practised in the party. He further said that even the Muslims have realised that they are being cheated by the Congress, and are joining Sena. He appealed to Neo-Buddhists to give up their narrow outlook and the join the Sena, as conversion to Buddhism has not changed their blood or language.

Uddhav further said that times have changed, which is evident from the fact that the priest of the Kalaram Temple, Panchavati, Sudhir Pujari, has opened the temple doors to the Dalits and also accepted their offerings to the deity. He said that in sharp contrast to the 1930 riots at the temple, when Dr Ambedkar staged a satyagraha for temple entry for Dalits.Incidentally, the priest of the temple, Sudhir Pujari joined the Sena on the occasion.

The Asmita Yatra will cross the interior parts of north Maharashtra and Pune and reach Mumbai on November 17, when it will be addressed by Sena chief Bal Thackeray.