Modi reaches out to Dalits, invokes Ambedkar at Bastar event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today Dalit icon B R Ambedkar gave us a constitution that protects the rights of the weaker sections of society as he urged people not to join Naxals in a bid to secure their rights.

He said the awakening among the poor and backward sections about their rights, their hopes and aspirations was due to Ambedkar, whose 127th birth anniversary was celebrated today. He attributed his own success to the chief framer of the Constitution.

Addressing a huge gathering of villagers in Jangala in the Naxal-heartland of Bijapur in this tribal-dominated region of Chhattisgarh, Modi asked people not to hand over the rights of their children to Naxal leaders who keep themselves safe but allow locals to die.

"Babasahab has given us the Constitution. He ensured protection of your rights. It is the duty of the government to take care of your rights. You need not pick up weapons, ruin your lives," the prime minister said, expressing his government's commitment to develop the backward region.

"I want to tell parents that their sons and daughters have chosen a path. But at least think about those who are leading them. None of them is a local and they are not from amongst you. They have come from outside (referring to Naxal leaders from other states who are active in Chhattisgarh)," he said.

Welcoming those who had gathered here in 'Halbi', a local dialect, Modi gave a 'charan paduka' to a woman and hearing aid to another woman.

In his address, he asked people to check the surnames of Naxal leaders and "you will come to know who are they and from where they have come."
"Ambedkar had a huge contribution in awakening the aspirations and expectations of millions of people like me."
He said the NDA government will help in realising the dreams and aspirations of the people of Bastar. "I have come here to say that the Centre supports your dreams, aspirations and expectations."