MUMBAI, 29 June 2007 — Disgruntled Nationalist Congress Party workers launched a new party — the Dalit-Muslim-OBC (Other Backward Class) United Front Party — under the leadership of Ram Pandagale, Munaf Hakim and Maulana Qadir.
Disgruntled NCP workers formed the new party having become upset with the attitude of NCP ministers and legislators, who are said to be ignoring and mistreating party workers.
Munaf Hakim, the state general secretary of the new party, said it was time for NCP representatives to reform and change their attitude. He added that if they fail to change they would be taught a lesson in forthcoming State Legislative Assembly and parliamentary elections.
The new party was launched at a conference of NCP workers from the Dalit, Muslim and OBC communities. During the conference, which was held at the Karnataka Hall in Mumbai’s Matunga suburb late on Wednesday, several NCP party officials from across the state complained that NCP ministers and legislators were disrespectful and mistreating them. They commented that it would be better to prove their strength independently, rather than to work for the NCP.
Some delegates said that if Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati could muster strength on her own to form a government by taking the Dalits, Muslims and OBCs together, why could such a plan not be successful in Maharashtra.
Hakim added that the party’s next meeting would soon be held in Mumbai and that other meetings would be held all over the state to create awareness about the new party.
