Stressing on the need for Dalit-Muslim-Backwards unity, the Bhim Army Thursday said Muslims have been "cheated" by their leaders and should consider carefully with whom they go in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
"Muslims have been sidelined by those leaders and parties for whom they have been voting till now," Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekar told PTI in an interview on the outfit's campaign to unite Dalits, Muslims and Backwards.
"Muslims should understand where their interest lies. They should set a benchmark to see if those they have been voting for are really working for them," he said.
"The Muslims' interest lies with Dalits. I think if there is social harmony between them, no politician will be able to divide them. Both sections have remained deprived for long. I realise their weakness and tell them where their interest lies," he added.
On whether lack of well-accepted Muslim leadership is a hurdle to Dalit-Muslim unity, Chandrashekar said, "Yes."
Highlighting Bhim Army's goals, he said, "I want to take backwards also along with Dalits and Muslims so that a big section is not misled in the name of religion. They should understand their rights."