‘We Welcome Bhagwath’s Suggestion of Conversation on Reservation’- Social Activist Lolaksha
“We Welcome Mohan Bhagwath-the Chief of RSS Suggestion of Conversation on Reservation’- Social Activist and writer Lolaksha of Bengaluru during a press meet at Mangaluru Press Club
Mangaluru : Recalling the statements made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat while speaking at the concluding session of Gyanotsav, a programme on competitive exams organised by the RSS-affiliated Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi last Sunday where he had said that the RSS, the BJP and the party-led government are three different entities and one cannot be held responsible for the actions of another, and that there should be conversation in a harmonious atmosphere between those in favour of reservation and those against it,
He said those who favoured reservation should speak keeping in mind the interests of those who were against it, and similarly those who opposed it should do the vice versa. Bhagwath also said that discussion on reservation results in sharp actions and reactions every time whereas there is a need for harmony in the different sections of the society on this approach. Earlier, he had advocated a review of the reservation policy, drawing sharp reactions from many parties. Talking about the perception of the Sangh’s influence over the Narendra Modi dispensation, Bhagwath had said, “Since there are Sangh workers in the BJP and this government, they will listen to the RSS, but it is not mandatory for them to agree with us. They can disagree as well.”
Since the BJP is in government, it has to look at the bigger picture and can disagree with the RSS point of view, he said, adding that once a party comes to power, for it the government and national interest become priority. In response to the statements made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwath, Convener of State Federation of Dalit Organizations, Working President of AHINDA, President of Shikshana Rakshana Vedike, General Secretary Samatha Sainik Dal, a writer and social activist and Recipient of Dr H R Ambedkar State Award for Social Service- Lolaksha from Bengaluru held a press meet at Mangaluru Press Club.
Addressing the media persons here Lolaksha on Bagwath’s call for a ‘Conversation in a harmonious atmosphere between those favoring and opposing Reservation’ said, “We welcome the suggestion, given by Mohan Bhagwath, the Chief of RSS, to have a conversation between people who are in favor of ‘Reservation’ and against it. We feel, initiating a comprehensive and multidimensional dialogue on ‘Reservation’ is the need of the hour as we have variety of wrong notions about the concept of Reservation envisaged in the Constitution and the way it’s being implemented by the State”.
“We strongly feel that in the larger interests of the nation in general and the marginalized people in particular, we have to analyze the positive and negative implications made by the ‘Reservation’ on the core values enshrined in the Constitution, i.e. Justice, Equality, Liberty and Fraternity. Samatha Sainik Dal, founded by Dr. B R Ambedkar, is ready to organize a historic National Consultation or a Round Table Conference on Reservation at Bengaluru and invite Bhagwath to inaugurate the programme on 24th September, the Poona Pact day, or on any date of his choice in the month of October” added Lolaksha.
Lolaksha further said, “The Constitutional Experts, Legal Luminaries, Social Thinkers, Experts from different fields and leaders from various organizations and Political Parties will also be invited to this Consultation programme. In spite of sharp reaction given by eminent political leaders like Ms. Mayavathi, Ram Vilas Paswan, Ramdas Athawale, PL Punia and others, the Dalit thinkers and activists are always ready to have a conversation, in a harmonious atmosphere, with anti reservationists. The enlightened people shall not forget that the Dalit thinkers are always having an open minded approach towards all types of criticism on all policies and thoughts”.
