At Ramabai, Dalit opinion is split wide open

MUMBAI, AUG 22: For a first time visitor, Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, or simply Rambai Colony, along the eastern express highway at Ghat...

MUMBAI, AUG 22: For a first time visitor, Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, or simply Rambai Colony, along the eastern express highway at Ghatkopar east, is as homogeneous as any other slum in the metropolis. There is a sameness of existence, of caste and of confusion.

On July 11, 1997, the colony was witness to an incident that triggered off angry riots and police firing in which 11 Dalits lost their lives. The garlanding with chappals of the bust of the founder of the Republican Party of India RPI, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, catapulted the slum colony into a notoriety which is tough to overcome. And a stroll down the lanes and bylanes of the predominantly Dalit locality reveals how sharply divided their minds are.

For the 50,000-odd residents of Ramabai Colony, the goals of education, upliftment and prosperity set by Ambedkar fly in the face of the RPI of today. The party has splintered into minute fractions, with countless leaders like Maisaheb Ambedkar, Ramdas Athavale, Prakash Ambedkar, R S Gavai, JogendraKavade, T M Kamble, Namdeo Dhasal, Raja Dhale, Arjun Dangle and B C Kamble jostling for the allegiance of the Dalit community. This has left the average Dalit confused about who his real leader is.

At Ramabai Colony, several boards representing different Dalit organisations are scattered all over the place. Several of them exist only on board, and operate out of shacks in the colony. One of them, the Tarun Mitra Mandal, had constructed the bust of Dr Ambedkar which was desecrated in July 1997. Around this bust, boards of political groups like the RPI, Bahujan Mahasangh, Bahujan Samaj Party have congratulating or condemning messages scratched on them. Chetana Mandal, Utkarsh Mandal, Bal Sahyoug Mandal, Siddhant Mandal, Samaj Rakshak Mandal, Bhim Jyoti Mandal, Rajkamal Mandal, Ekta Seva Sangh, Samrat Ashok Mandal, Adarsh Mandal, Sangharsh Mandal8230;

Vikas Pawar, a young colony activist and a prime accused in the desecration case, flashes a sarcastic smile. 8220;We people are two inches tall and hence, deservedwarf leaders who claim to be two feet tall. The leaders have succeeded in keeping the public in a confused state, and the public in turn does not want to be enlightened. It is our fault that we do not punish the leaders for their million mistakes and we will suffer for this,8221; declared Pawar.

The various mandals spring to life only on April 14, Ambedkar8217;s birth anniversary, December 6 his death anniversary and Budhha Poornima every year. 8220;The mandals play loud music throughout the day, offer prayers, screen a popular movie in the evening and with the remaining money8230;.8221; trails off another local youth.

The votes at Ramabai are most likely to be decided by the sole earning member of the house. Says Hansabai Nanavare, a vegetable vendor, 8220;I know the names of all the leaders, but I will vote for the one recommended by my husband,8221; she said. Another electrician in the area who refused to be identified said Athavale had made a mistake by joining the NCP. He, however, failed to name the leader of hischoice and laughed the question away.

Story continues below this ad

Dr Harish Ahire, star witness in the Justice S D Gundewar inquiry commission which looked into the riots that broke out after the firing, also alluded to the sharp divide in the colony. 8220;With each leader having followers here, there are staunch opponents in one chawl. We are a confused lot, content with fighting each other,8221; he said.

Adds Shyam Gaikwad, a senior activist in the area, 8220;The RPI is no longer a movement and the people can no longer be identified as united followers.8221;