Atrocities on Dalits still continue in rural India: Athawale

Pune: Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said atrocities against Dalits remain a concern in rural parts of the country, urging state govts and political leaders to take concrete steps to address the issue.Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Athawale noted that next year will mark 100 years of the historic movement led by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Mahad, Raigad, which fought for Dalits' right to access water from a public tank."Next year marks the centenary of the movement against untouchability. While a lot has changed over the past century and there has been progress, Dalits still face atrocities in rural areas. It is important for state govts, political parties and local NGOs to work together to ensure such incidents do not occur," he said.Athawale added that he and his party are working at the national level to address the issue. "We are striving to bring Dalits and other communities, including Savarnas, OBCs, Marathas and minorities, together. This was Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's vision, and we are moving in that direction," he said.Commenting on the upcoming assembly elections in four states, Athawale said his party would not contest in West Bengal and would instead support the BJP."In Kerala, we will contest 10–12 seats; in Tamil Nadu, 20–25 seats; and in Assam, 15–20 seats. Wherever we contest, it will be on our party symbol. In constituencies where we do not field candidates, we will support the BJP," Athawale said.