Congress joins BBM against Ambedkar Bhawan demolition

Prakash operated from one structure which housed a printing press and also was used as the Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh’s office. In the adjoining structure, the Ambedkar Trust used to work. The sprawling structure with open terrace in prime Dadar area is worth several crores.

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One of the trustees said, “We want to develop the place as Ambedkar Bhawan. The old structure was dilapidated and had to be pulled down after we received notice from the BMC.”

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said, “We object to the demolition of the Ambedkar Bhawan. We believe the Ambedkar family cannot be ignored. The government should take strict action against those responsible for the demolition.” If the government fails to act, Congress will hold demonstration in support of Prakash Ambedkar’s party. Earlier, Republican Party of India’s Ramdas Athavale (MP) also urged the government to ensure Prakash gets a decent office in the new structure. He also indicated that the place should be developed for Dalits’ welfare.

According to Prakash, “Former IAS officer Ratnakar Gaikwad lured trust members to get the place demolished as he had vested interest in commercialisation of the property.” He claimed, “They want to build a 17-storey structure and sell the flats to people.”