The face of the Dalit movement in Gujarat — Jignesh Mevani — who is contesting from Vadgam reserved constituency of Banaskantha district in Gujarat in the polls to be held on December 14, is receiving support from Karnataka.
Gujarat Damanitarigagi Navu (GDN), a forum with the support of Karnataka Janashakti and Dalit-Damanitara Swabhimani Horata Samiti are supporting Mr. Jignesh, who is contesting against BJP’s Vijay Chakravarthi, with the support of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Vadgam, as an Independent candidate.
Karnataka connect
Mr. Jignesh, who has connections with Karnataka, took part in ‘Chalo Udupi’ organised by various Dalit, Left and progressive organisations. He was closely associated with the late journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, and had visited Bengaluru when she was killed.
Speaking to The Hindu , Hulikunte Murthy of GDN said many progressive organisations across the country, including Karnataka are supporting Mr. Jignesh because of his conviction for the Dalit cause.
“We have collected ₹1.8 lakh. Of this we have sent ₹1.3 lakh for poll expenditure. By December 12, we will send more, as it is difficult to fight against the enormous money and muscle power being employed by the BJP in Vadgam,” he said. In fact, the GDN had made a public appeal to collect funds for Mr. Jignesh.
Attack on Dalit workers
Activists Nemichandra and Shivakumar of the GDN are camping in Vadgam to campaign for Mr. Jignesh. Ms. Nemichandra said over phone that Dalit volunteers are reaching out to the electorate to support Mr. Jignesh.
“We have been attacked twice, but the local Dalit community protected us by creating a ring around us. Chances of Mr. Jignesh winning is bright,” she claimed.
