On the one hand, the government buys Ambedkar house in London, a ploy to win the sympathy of Dr Ambedkar's followers. On the other, they remain mute spectators when Ambedkar Bhavan is demolished!
The historic importance of Ambedkar Bhavan is immense. It was the centre for Dalit movement, for progressive movements, for writers, poets, activists, every person who was socially aware and active. Ambedkar himself bought that land in 1944 and built the structure intending to have a social centre.
The day to day functioning of the Ambedkar Bhavan was by the People's Improvement Trust. We, the family, never interfered. But information commissioner of Maharashtra Ratnakar Gaikwad, a former member of the trust came up with the idea of erecting a 17-storey building in place of Ambedkar Bhavan. It was never approved by the trust or the family. He misused his position in the government, sent a demolition notice from the BMC, showing the structure is dilapidated, when it was not, and not only demolished the press but destroyed important documents, old machines in the press. The police were not ready to register an FIR. It clearly shows the mindset of the government because without its support Gaikwad would never have taken such a step.
Only after a huge number of Ambedkar followers came out on to the streets of south Mumbai, did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announce he will reconstruct the structure. But we have decided to rebuild it. The government is systematically suppressing the Dalit voice. But, we will not be silenced."
