Dalit outfit plans 'awareness' campaign against Team Anna

MUMBAI: A Dalit outfit has vowed to launch an awareness campaign, beginning from December 27, about the "unconstitutional" demand being made by Team Anna to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the ongoing winter session of the Parliament.

The 'Samvidhan Bachao Andolan' ( Save Constitution Campaign), to be launched by the Dalit Panther being led by prominent Dalit leader and poet Namdeo Dhasal, would kick off from Chaityabhoomi in Central Mumbai to give a "befitting" reply to Team Anna for their "anti-constitutional" demand.

The drive is aimed at creating awareness by organising a public meeting.

"Their (Team Anna's) demands are unconstitutional. Government should oppose the recommendations made by them in the Lokpal Bill," Dhasal told PTI.

He also said that a 'mashal morcha' (torch march) would be taken from Chaityabhoomi to Raj Bhawan in the evening on December 27.

"Our delegation will meet Governor K Sankaranarayanan and hand over a representation to him stating how the demands made by team Anna are unconstitutional," he added.

The Dalit activist said a similar representation asking Team Anna members to withdraw their demand would be handed over to them during their planned protest in the city.

However, if they (Team Anna) do not pay any heed to it, the Dalit Panther would stage demonstrations, Dhasal added.