Owaisi calls for unity among Muslims, dalits and BCs

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad MP and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi said Muslims, Dalits and other Backward Castes need to work together to bring about a change in the socio-political scenario of the country.

Speaking at a seminar, Ambedkar, Islam and Equality conducted at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu), Owaisi said though his party has been working to improve the living conditions of the oppressed groups, a better coordination is needed to bring about a real social change in the country. "A real social change can be achieved only by breaking the present caste alliances," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Kancha Ilaiah, director of Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), which conducted the seminar to mark the 120th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, said a deliberate attempt is being made to create a rift between the Dalits and Muslims. He said appropriate representation should be given to Muslims in the Lok Sabha based on their population ration in the country.

Former chief secretary to the state government Kaki Madhava Rao, president Dalit Mahasabha, AP, Kathi Padma Rao and vice-chairman Centre for Dalit Study Y B Satyanarayana and others spoke on the occasion. Manuu in-charge vice-chancellor Khalid Sayeed presided over the function.