BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has come down heavily on the Bhim Army and alleged that the outfit is eulogising Ravan, a demonic and controversial figure from the Indian epic Ramayana, whose effigy is burnt on Dussehra as a symbol of victory of the good over evil. The Bhim army had earlier asked for action against those burning Ravan effigies and demanded that action be taken against violators under the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST act. Dussehra 2018: Why Is Ravana, The Ten-Headed Demon King Worshipped in Some Parts of India?

Swamy also added that the demands of the Bhim Army will not be supported by the majority and that the "mainstream of India will not be impressed." He added that in a democracy, "all types of organisations exist" and called the Bhim Army a bunch of "jokers".

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The Pune unit of the Bhim Army had recently written a letter to Pune police and said that the practice of burning effigies of Ravan on Dussehra is akin to hurting the sentiments of certain Tribal (Adivasi) and Bahujan groups as Ravan is considered as a "a symbol of humanitarian culture". Bhim Army Demands Ban on Burning of Ravan Effigies on Dussehra, Seeks Action Under SC/ST Act on Violators.

The letter states that Ravan should not be burnt in the name of demon. The Bhim Army group also warned that if their demands are not met and Ravan effigies continue to be burned, they will not be responsible for any disturbance in law and order situation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2018 10:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).