Unite so that no govt can ignore us: NDA ministers to Yadavs

New Delhi: Union ministers Bandaru Dattatreya and Ram Kripal Yadav on Saturday asked members of the Yadav community to unite so that no government can ignore its voice.

"I appeal to the community to identify its strength and unite so that our voice is not ignored by any government," Yadav said addressing a session of All India Yadav Mahasabha.

"A large number of Yadavs are living in a poor condition marked by poverty, lack of education but no state government took any step for their uplift. Had there been unity, no one would ignore our voice and demands," he said.

The minister said lack of education was the "biggest reason" for poverty of Yadavs and emphasised the need to address this problem.

Dattatreya said the community cannot progress without education and suggested opening hostels and engineering and medical colleges in every state by setting up Trusts.

The Yadav Mahasabha raised three demands -- establishment of an Aheer regiment of army, publication of findings of the Socio Economic Caste Census and no "tinkering" with present 27 per cent reservation for OBCs.

Expressing his support to the demand of the community, Yadav said "I will raise your voice at the proper forum and do everything possible for solution of your problems."

The session was attended by many Yadav politicians and other delegates from Bihar, UP, MP, Jharkhand, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.