The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its strong disapproval over the manner in which the Maharashtra government and its police is dealing with the aftermath of the widespread violence against large sections of the Dalit population who had congregated in Bhima Koregaon to commemorate the anniversary of the battle which was started to be observed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar himself. This annual commemoration has come to be recognized as a symbol of self-respect of the Dalit community across Maharashtra. It is reprehensible that instead of initiating strong measures and booking the culprits who perpetrated the violence in Bhima Koregaon and pursuing the perpetrators, the BJP-led state government is unleashing steps towards persecuting those who are engaged in defending the victims including the invoking of UAPA.
The Polit Bureau appeals to all democratic minded people who cherish justice to protest such highhanded actions of the government which will lead to further alienation of those suffering injustices and the government’s clear double-standards. The Polit Bureau calls upon the Maharashtra government to rescind these vindictive actions.