Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are engaging in anti-dalit politics in Maharashtra, claimed Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora. He further alleged that Uddhav Thackeray told Congress leaders not to give ticket to dalit candidate from the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora criticised the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday for not awarding a ticket to Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad for the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha seat.
"By denying Varsha Gaikwad the ticket for the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha seat, Congress and Sena (UBT) display their anti-dalit stance. While Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting elections from 21 seats in Maharashtra, they have only fielded one dalit candidate. In contrast, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has revealed 8 candidates up to now, among whom three are dalits," said the Shiv Sena MP.
Deora emphasised that the Maha Vikas Aghadi is betraying the dalit community. "The Maha Vikas Aghadi lacks the courage to field dalit candidates in prominent constituencies," added the Shiv Sena MP.
Deora said that Sena (UBT) is adopting a hypocritical stance, seeking votes from the dalit community in the elections but unwilling to provide leadership opportunities to the Dalit community. "Varsha Gaikwad faced opposition from specific Congress leaders in Mumbai and Delhi due to her caste when she sought the position of Mumbai Congress President. I am aware that Uddhav Thackeray advised Congress against nominating Varsha Gaikwad for the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha seat because she is a Dalit," he added.
Deora strongly condemned the decision, asserting that "Varsha Gaikwad, who is highly educated, competent, and politically active, has been unfairly victimised”.
Shiv Sena is likely to field Anil Desai from Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency as its candidate. He will fight against Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale.
