Pune: A large-scale protest was held on Friday (February 7) by various political parties, organizations, and followers of the Ambedkarite movement against the alleged transfer of a Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) land near Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cultural Hall to a private builder.
The protesters demanded that the government allocate the land for the cultural hall’s expansion and warned of a citywide shutdown if their demand was not met.
The plot in question, located near Ambedkar Bhavan at Maldhakka Chowk, was originally reserved for the hall's expansion. However, MSRDC was reportedly making arrangements to hand it over to a private builder for development. In response, Ambedkarite organizations mobilized and staged a protest march from Ambedkar Bhavan to the District Collector’s office. The protest culminated in a large public meeting near the office.
Several prominent figures from the Ambedkarite movement were present at the demonstration, including Vasant Salve (event chairperson), Adv. Bhai Vivek Chavan, Sanjay Sonawane, Balasaheb Janrao, Dr. Siddharth Dhende, Parshuram Wadekar, Nagesh Bhosale, Rohidas Gaikwad, Adv. Jaydev Gaikwad, Sudhir Gaikwad, Rahul Dambale, Sachin Bansode, Sujit Yadav, Arvind Tayade, Bhagwanrao Vairat, Vivek Bansode, and Babu Wagaskar.
Following the protest, a delegation submitted a memorandum to District Collector Jitendra Dudi, demanding that the land be allocated for the cultural hall's expansion.
Speaking at the protest, senior leader Vasant Salve emphasized the struggle undertaken by Ambedkarite followers to establish the cultural hall and other memorials dedicated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
“The 8,900-square-meter plot near Ambedkar Bhavan was originally part of the Public Works Department (PWD) and was approved by former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh for the hall's expansion. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) even passed a resolution supporting the acquisition of this land. Despite these decisions, MSRDC is now attempting to transfer the plot to a private builder, which is unacceptable. The government must act swiftly to hand over the land for expansion; otherwise, we will bring the city to a standstill,” he warned.
Adv. Jaydev Gaikwad reiterated the collective strength of Ambedkarite followers, stating, “Throughout history, power has always had to yield before the people’s strength. This protest proves that various organizations and political parties can unite under the ideology of Ambedkarism.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar represents knowledge and sacrifice. The existing cultural hall is already too small, and any attempt to seize the land meant for its expansion will not be tolerated. If the government fails to act, Ambedkarite followers will take to the streets and demand justice.”
