Dalit leaders in Gujarat Congress want more representation

AHMEDABAD: Dalit leaders in Gujarat Congress have decided to approach the top leadership to demand higher representation in the state unit.

Over 25 Dalit leaders of state Congress, including Rajya Sabha MP Pravin Rashtrapal and MLAs Mani Vaghela and Shailesh Parmar, held a meeting yesterday.

Vaghela, a prominent Dalit leader who represents Vadgam in Banaskantha, said that Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee should have a Dalit president.

"Of the 33 district Congress committees, only two have Dalit leaders as their presidents," he said, adding that Dalits also did not get posts such as spokespersons.

He however did not term the meeting as a protest. "We met to strengthen the Congress. We just want more representation. As per the constitution of Congress, at least 30 per cent posts should go to Dalits. This is not being followed here. As in Karnataka, we also wish to see a Dalit as a president of GPCC," said Vaghela.

He said meetings would be held with district-level leaders before making a representation to high command.

"After meetings at district level, we will go to Delhi and make a representation to the high command. We also want effective implementation of government schemes for the Dalits," said Vaghela.