Bhim Army leader challenges Bhagwat to an open debate on reservation

Dalit group Bhim Army leader Chandrashekhar Azad on Tuesday challenged RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to an open debate on the issue of reservation and asserted that a discussion should instead be held on the abolition of caste system which, he said, has "hollowed out" the country.

He claimed that 54 per cent of the people belonging to Scheduled Castes do not own any land in the country, while a particular caste dominates and enjoys all privileges.

"He (Bhagwat) wants the issue to be discussed among those who are against reservation. I challenge him to hold a debate in front of the media and all concerned. We want to tell people about all that we (Dalits) have suffered because of the caste system. He should come armed with all statistics," Chandrashekhar said.

"Seventy-three years after Independence, 54 per cent Dalits don't own any land... By calling for a discussion of the reservation system, the RSS has showed its anti-Dalit mindset," he said.

Chandrashekhar said if Bhagwat gives a call for abolishing the caste system, the Bhim Army will support it.

"The caste system has hollowed out the country. Bhagwat should hold discussion on it instead," he said.

The Dalit group chief said the community will take to streets if the government tried scrapping the reservation system.

"The Dalit community cannot be considered weak anymore. We are ready to face any challenge. We will hit back," he warned.

Referring to the revocation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution, he said, "This time we won't speak up after they have taken a decision (on reservation). This time, we will take to the streets before they can do anything."