In an attempt to preempt a further show of strength by Dalit leaders including Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, trustees of the People’s Improvement Trust (PIT), which had backed the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar last month, have now written to the Chief Minister, the municipal commissioner and the police commissioner urging that the proposed rebuilding of the structure on July 30 through “shramdaan” be prevented. The trust’s letter states that if followers of Ambedkar are mobilised to rebuild the structure, this would amount to illegal entry and illegal construction work. The idea to rebuild the structure, whose demolition has become an emotive rallying point for Dalits across the city, is backed by Prakash Ambedkar. The letter claims that the demolished structure is in a dangerous condition and cannot be repaired. “Instead of this, the remaining portion of the structure has to be demolished, this being a dangerous structure and required to be made inhabitable. Moreover, Prakash Ambedkar being non-trust entity has no authority to enter into the trust property and carry out repair works as announced in a rally. Any work undertaken there amounts to be illegal work and without permission of the BMC,” stated the letter. However, the trustees are likely to face a confrontation with followers of Dr Ambedkar expected to gather in large numbers in Dadar on Saturday. At a rally held on July 19 from Byculla to CST, Prakash Ambedkar, president of the Bharatiya Republican Party Bahujan Mahasangh (BRP), announced that the people will restore the structure with their hands and will also give monetary contribution for its repairs and development. Leaders from the BRP said a large number of people are likely to gather on Saturday at the Naigaum site. “Two groups will be announced on Saturday. While one group will look into the technical aspects of the structure and repairs, the other will look intro the contribution part,” said a leader, adding that cleaning work would be carried out on Saturday and then further course of action will be announced. Watch Video: What's making news Meanwhile, a delegation of Dalit leaders led by Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe met Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao over the Ambedkar Bhavan issue. The delegation demanded the removal of former IAS officer and state’s chief information commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad for his alleged involvement in the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan. As per Section 17 of the Right to Information Act, Gaikwad is liable to be removed, stated a memorandum given by the delegation to the Governor.
