He, however, refrains from openly supporting the Congress
Dalit activist from the State Jignesh Mevani launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Wednesday, just weeks before the Gujarat Assembly polls. He, however, shied away from openly supporting the Congress.
Mr. Mevani, on a visit to the capital, was interacting with media persons.
He said there was a fundamental difference between the BJP — which he claimed wanted a Hindu Rashtra and was fascist — and all other parties. “If democracy and the Constitution have to be saved, the RSS and the BJP must be stopped in 2019. For this, it is important to beat them on their turf, Gujarat.”
Did this mean that he would urge people to support the Congress in the polls? “We are not going with any political party,” he said. “We want our exclusive, autonomous space. If another party comes to power, we will struggle on our issues with them too.”
He said he had faith in the people. They would vote wisely in the polls. He, however, refused to say which party they should choose to vote for. “Don’t make me name the party. But it is my gut feeling that people will not commit any mistake now.”
Pressed further, he finally said it was possible that his supporters and he would one day launch their own alternative.
Defending Patidar leader Hardik Patel on the CD controversy, he said putting hidden cameras in bedrooms was degenerate politics. Asked whether Patidars should be given quota from the share of the present OBCs, he said constitutional experts should brainstorm on the matter, in consultation with all affected groups.
Rejecting claims of development in Gujarat, Mr. Mevani cited malnourishment to claim the Gujarat model was “deceptive.”
He said Dalits, Patidars, trade unions and tribal activists would hold a demonstration in Ahmedabad on December 6, the death anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar.
