Athawale softening stand on Dadar renaming?

Mumbai, Oct 19 (PTI) RPI president Ramdas Athawale today indicated that his party was not inflexible on the demand to rename Dadar railway station in central Mumbai as "Chaityabhoomi'' station. Chaityabhoomi is the memorial of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, which is located in Dadar area. Dalit parties have been demanding that the name be given to the railway station. However, talking to reporters here, Athawale said that instead of Dadar, the Mumbai Central station can be named after Dr Ambedkar. "I will be happy if Dr Ambedkar''s name is given to any establishment. But as to renaming Dadar, the locals have conveyed opposition to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray....Mumbai Central railway station should be renamed after Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, as he had lived in the area for a long time," Athawale said. Early this year, RPI formed alliance with Shiv Sena and BJP. Shiv Sena chief had said recently that Dadar can not be renamed.