Two BJP corporators –Rahul Bhandare and Mahesh Wabale— initiated the move for sanction of funds. “Dalits from all walks of life come to Jai Stambh to offer tributes to the war heroes. Our endeavor is to provide proper civic amenities to the visitors,” they said by way of explanation. The PMC standing committee chairman Hemant Rasne of the BJP and the city BJP President and former BJP MLA Jagdish Mulik echoed the sentiment.Former deputy Mayor Siddhartha Dhende, a Dalit who represented the Republican Party of India (RPI) points out that Dalits comprise 15 percent of the city’s electorate and BJP is unable to ignore Dalit votes. Dalit activist Rahul Dambale is happy that the significance of Koregaon Bhima is being recognized by political parties. But others complain that BJP was just paying lip service to the Dalits while framing Ambedkarites and Dalit activists in false cases. “The double standards and hypocrisy need to be exposed,” said Amar Salve.
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