Reacting strongly to the historic Ravidas temple demolition, arrest of 96 of its cadre and the alleged beating up of Chandrashekhar Azad in lock up, the Bhim Army has issued a press release warning the Modi government of a ‘Bharat Bandh’. The press release can be read here :
‘Bhim Army strongly condemns the events of the 21st night. The unprovoked lathi charge and the unlawful arrest of the 96
peaceful protestors are a testament to the browbeat brand of politics that the BJP government practises.
Bhim Army Chief, Chandrashekhar Azad and National President, Vinay Ratan were tied and beaten mercilessly whilst in police
custody. Azad could barely walk when produced in court the next day. This unabashed violation of human rights is part of the intimidation tactic employed by the present fascist, brahminical government.
We had arranged a press conference today which was forcefully cancelled by the police and the government. This fascistic repression of dissent and free speech is undemocratic and has all the makings of an undeclared Emergency.
If in the next 10 days, the central Govt does not bring out the ordinance for the construction of the demolished Ravidas temple and release all the people they have illegally detained, then the joined forces of the SC, ST and OBC people will call for ‘Bharat Bandh’. Opposing the Ravidas temple demolition and the criminal detention of the protestors, the Bahujan Samaj will observe a black day internationally on the 25th of August and will protest against this autocratic government.’
In any case, this video is ample proof that the Modi government will ignore Bhim Army’s ability to mobilise thousands of young people at its own peril.