Threat to PM just a stunt: Ambedkar

Says increase security to Modi instead of publicising letter; questions Bhima-Koregaon arrests

Taking a stand: Prakash Ambedkar addressing the media in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Terming the alleged threat letter sent to Prime Minister Narenra Modi as nothing but a publicity stunt, Bharipa Bahjan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday said right-wing groups were attempting to instigate riots between anti- and pro-reservation groups.

Anti-quota environment

“Hindu-Muslim and Dalit-Maratha riots have been attempted so far and now they will try and create anti-reservation environment. Preparations of aggressive agitations to do away with reservations have already begun. It is clear that if both groups hold agitations, it will only lead to violence,” Mr. Ambedkar said at a press conference.

Attacking Hindu right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide for instigating violence at Bhima-Koregaon earlier this year, Mr. Ambedkar said those who were arrested by police as Maoists should explain their roles. “Several arrests have been made and certain letters have been systematically leaked. Except for Sudhir Dhawale, none of those arrested was even part of the Elgar Parishad which the police claim was organised by Maoists,” he said.

The Pune Police have arrested five people for allegedly having Maoist connections, and has said Maoist organisations funded the Elgar Parishad in Bhima-Koregaon on January 1. “Retired Justices P.B. Sawant and B.G. Kolse Patil have clearly said the Elgar Parishad was organised by them. Do the police have no guts to arrest them if their Maoist theory holds truth?” he asked.

Doubts over authenticity

Commenting on a letter which allegedly plots the murder of Mr. Modi, he said DGP Satish Mathur has already said the letter was not released by the police. Ravindra Kadam, Joint Commissioner of Police, Pune, said the ‘Comrade Prakash’ mentioned in the letter is not Mr. Ambedkar.

“All this stirs up suspicions about the authenticity of the letter. According to me, the letter is nothing but a publicity stunt by the Police Department,” he said.

He said a threat letter to a prime minister has never been publicised this way in independent India. “If there is a threat to PM, then increase his security from seven to 14 layers,” he said.