News Analysis India

Tag: Dalits

  • At presser, Rahul seeks show of hands on Dalit, OBC journalists present to highlight deprivation of weaker sections 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday asked for a show of hands from journalists at a press conference to know how many of them were Dalits and OBCs to make a point that people from weaker sections were not getting their share in the country’s assets and institutions.

    Addressing the press conference after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Gandhi said the party’s working committee has taken a “historic decision” unanimously to support the idea of a nationwide caste census, asserting that it is a “powerful step” for the emancipation of the poor.

    In response to a question, Gandhi said the Congress is asking what is the share of Dalits, tribals and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the country’s assets and institutions.

    “I will ask you how many Dalits are there in this room, look at this, how many OBCs are there in the room, raise their hands and see…there’s a cameraman, I am not talking about you, I am talking about you (gesturing towards journalists),” the former Congress chief said.

    “This is the question, how many Dalits, tribals and OBCs are there in institutions, what is their wealth, share in assets and their population,” he said.

    He also slammed the BJP’s criticism of the Congress over its caste census demand and said, “We are asking how many poor people are there in the country. So this (BJP criticism) is just about distraction.”

    Flanked by the party’s chief ministers in four states, Gandhi also said the decision of the CWC to support a caste census is a “very progressive” and “powerful” step for the emancipation of poor people.

    Talking about the idea of caste census, the former Congress chief said this ‘X-ray’ is needed for a new paradigm and development in the country.

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday asked for a show of hands from journalists at a press conference to know how many of them were Dalits and OBCs to make a point that people from weaker sections were not getting their share in the country’s assets and institutions.

    Addressing the press conference after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Gandhi said the party’s working committee has taken a “historic decision” unanimously to support the idea of a nationwide caste census, asserting that it is a “powerful step” for the emancipation of the poor.

    In response to a question, Gandhi said the Congress is asking what is the share of Dalits, tribals and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the country’s assets and institutions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “I will ask you how many Dalits are there in this room, look at this, how many OBCs are there in the room, raise their hands and see…there’s a cameraman, I am not talking about you, I am talking about you (gesturing towards journalists),” the former Congress chief said.

    “This is the question, how many Dalits, tribals and OBCs are there in institutions, what is their wealth, share in assets and their population,” he said.

    He also slammed the BJP’s criticism of the Congress over its caste census demand and said, “We are asking how many poor people are there in the country. So this (BJP criticism) is just about distraction.”

    Flanked by the party’s chief ministers in four states, Gandhi also said the decision of the CWC to support a caste census is a “very progressive” and “powerful” step for the emancipation of poor people.

    Talking about the idea of caste census, the former Congress chief said this ‘X-ray’ is needed for a new paradigm and development in the country.

  • What is happening to Muslims in India today, happened to Dalits in 1980s: Rahul Gandhi in US

    By ANI

    SAN FRANCISCO: Targeting the BJP-led government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said, “what is happening to Muslims in India today, happened to Dalits in the 1980s” and it has “to be fought with affection”.

    Speaking at the ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ event in San Francisco in the United States, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the impact of some actions of the BJP-led government was being felt by minorities and people from the Dalit and tribal communities.

    “It is being felt by the Muslims most directly because it is done most directly to them. But in fact, it is done to all communities. The way you (Muslims) are feeling attacked, I can guarantee Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and tribals are feeling the same. You can’t cut hatred with hatred., but only with love and affection,” Gandhi said.

    “Also, this is a periodical thing. What is happening to Muslims in India today happened to Dalits in the 1980s. If you went to UP in the 1980s, this was happening with Dalits…We have to challenge it, fight it and do it with love and affection and not with hatred and we will do that,” he added.

    ALSO READ | ‘PM Modi thinks he knows more than God’: Rahul Gandhi in US

    The Congress leader was responding to a question concerning Muslims in India from the ‘Bay Area Muslim community’ and the steps Congress will take to tackle the issues faced by them.

    Rahul Gandhi is on a six-day visit to the United States to interact with the Indian diaspora and express the Congress party’s “commitment to democratic values in India and across the world.”

    During the event, Rahul Gandhi also spoke about “economic inequality” and said that while some people were finding it difficult to make ends meet, about “five people have lakhs of crores” rupees.

    The Congress leader talked about the caste census conducted during the Congress-led UPA government, MNREGA and the NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) proposed by the Congress.

    “When we were in power, we had carried out the caste census. The idea was to take an X-Ray of society. Because without understanding the exact demographic and who is who, it is very difficult to distribute power effectively. We have been asking the BJP to release the numbers of the caste census and they are of course not doing it. When we will come to power we will do that,” he said.

    “We are committed to making India a fair place. We understand deeply that India today in terms of its treatment of Dalits, tribals, the poor and minorities is not a fair place. And there are many things that can be done. The NYAY scheme that we proposed, MNREGA, increases education and healthcare spending, all these things can be done.”

    Attacking the Narendra Modi government, he alleged that it does not want to discuss issues of price rise, unemployment, and inequality and was trying to cause distractions.

    “I would have to look at exactly how they are planning to do it (delimitation exercise to increase the number of MPs). What criteria they are using? I would be interested to know how have they come up with the number 800. These things should not be done flippantly. India is a conversation, a negotiation between its languages, its people, their history and its culture. And the negotiation has to be fair.

    “All sections of the country should feel that there is fairness in the process of negotiation. But, these are all distractions. The real issue is price rise, unemployment, and inequality. BJP can’t really discuss them, so they have to do the old sceptre thin. Lying down and doing all that. Aren’t you happy that I am not lying down?” he asked.

    Answering another query, he said as per Constitution, the definition of India is ‘Union of States’.

    “The idea is that the history, culture, and language of each and every state has to be protected under the union. BJP-RSS is attacking that idea as well as the Constitution of India. I know that Tamil is more than just a language for the people of Tamil Nadu. And I would never allow the Tamil language to be threatened. Because for me, an attack on Tamil, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada or Punjabi is an attack on India,” he said.

    Answering a query, he said allies of Congress had objections to the Women’s Reservation Bill and the party will work for its passage when it comes to power. 

    SAN FRANCISCO: Targeting the BJP-led government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said, “what is happening to Muslims in India today, happened to Dalits in the 1980s” and it has “to be fought with affection”.

    Speaking at the ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ event in San Francisco in the United States, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the impact of some actions of the BJP-led government was being felt by minorities and people from the Dalit and tribal communities.

    “It is being felt by the Muslims most directly because it is done most directly to them. But in fact, it is done to all communities. The way you (Muslims) are feeling attacked, I can guarantee Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and tribals are feeling the same. You can’t cut hatred with hatred., but only with love and affection,” Gandhi said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Also, this is a periodical thing. What is happening to Muslims in India today happened to Dalits in the 1980s. If you went to UP in the 1980s, this was happening with Dalits…We have to challenge it, fight it and do it with love and affection and not with hatred and we will do that,” he added.

    ALSO READ | ‘PM Modi thinks he knows more than God’: Rahul Gandhi in US

    The Congress leader was responding to a question concerning Muslims in India from the ‘Bay Area Muslim community’ and the steps Congress will take to tackle the issues faced by them.

    Rahul Gandhi is on a six-day visit to the United States to interact with the Indian diaspora and express the Congress party’s “commitment to democratic values in India and across the world.”

    During the event, Rahul Gandhi also spoke about “economic inequality” and said that while some people were finding it difficult to make ends meet, about “five people have lakhs of crores” rupees.

    The Congress leader talked about the caste census conducted during the Congress-led UPA government, MNREGA and the NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) proposed by the Congress.

    “When we were in power, we had carried out the caste census. The idea was to take an X-Ray of society. Because without understanding the exact demographic and who is who, it is very difficult to distribute power effectively. We have been asking the BJP to release the numbers of the caste census and they are of course not doing it. When we will come to power we will do that,” he said.

    “We are committed to making India a fair place. We understand deeply that India today in terms of its treatment of Dalits, tribals, the poor and minorities is not a fair place. And there are many things that can be done. The NYAY scheme that we proposed, MNREGA, increases education and healthcare spending, all these things can be done.”

    Attacking the Narendra Modi government, he alleged that it does not want to discuss issues of price rise, unemployment, and inequality and was trying to cause distractions.

    “I would have to look at exactly how they are planning to do it (delimitation exercise to increase the number of MPs). What criteria they are using? I would be interested to know how have they come up with the number 800. These things should not be done flippantly. India is a conversation, a negotiation between its languages, its people, their history and its culture. And the negotiation has to be fair.

    “All sections of the country should feel that there is fairness in the process of negotiation. But, these are all distractions. The real issue is price rise, unemployment, and inequality. BJP can’t really discuss them, so they have to do the old sceptre thin. Lying down and doing all that. Aren’t you happy that I am not lying down?” he asked.

    Answering another query, he said as per Constitution, the definition of India is ‘Union of States’.

    “The idea is that the history, culture, and language of each and every state has to be protected under the union. BJP-RSS is attacking that idea as well as the Constitution of India. I know that Tamil is more than just a language for the people of Tamil Nadu. And I would never allow the Tamil language to be threatened. Because for me, an attack on Tamil, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada or Punjabi is an attack on India,” he said.

    Answering a query, he said allies of Congress had objections to the Women’s Reservation Bill and the party will work for its passage when it comes to power. 

  • Dalit devotees in Madhya Pradesh barred from offering prayers at Shiva temples during Mahashivratri 

    Express News Service

    BHOPAL: In two separate incidents, villagers belonging to the Dalit community were barred from offering prayers at Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh during Mahashivratri on Saturday.

    Women belonging to the Balai community in Chhoti Kasrawad village of Khargone district said that the dominant caste men and women blocked their families from offering prayers and assaulted their children including two girls.

    “They (men belonging to the dominant Darbar caste) even threatened to throw our children out from the temple,” one Sharmila Bai alleged.

    The local leader of the Bhim Army Sunil Chouhan alleged that though the police have filed a case in the matter, the name of the main accused was not added to the FIR. 

    According to sub-divisional officer police (SDOP-Mandaleshwar) Manohar Singh Gavali, “there was a quarrel between two groups of devotees while offering prayers at the temple. On the complaint of one group, an FIR has been lodged against five persons from another group.”

    The FIR was lodged u/s 294, 323, and 34 IPC, besides provisions of the SC/ST (Atrocities) Act. But nowhere in the FIR was it mentioned that Dalit women, men, and children were stopped from worshiping at the temple. Instead, it was mentioned that pushing and shoving during prayers resulted in quarrels, leading to violent assault.

    Meanwhile, in the adjoining Khandwa district’s Bailwadi village of Bharadi village panchayat, Dalit devotees were reportedly stopped by the temple priest from offering prayers at the temple on Mahashivratri. However, the local police rushed to the spot and intervened, after which the Dalit people were allowed to offer prayers at the temple.     

    BHOPAL: In two separate incidents, villagers belonging to the Dalit community were barred from offering prayers at Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh during Mahashivratri on Saturday.

    Women belonging to the Balai community in Chhoti Kasrawad village of Khargone district said that the dominant caste men and women blocked their families from offering prayers and assaulted their children including two girls.

    “They (men belonging to the dominant Darbar caste) even threatened to throw our children out from the temple,” one Sharmila Bai alleged.

    The local leader of the Bhim Army Sunil Chouhan alleged that though the police have filed a case in the matter, the name of the main accused was not added to the FIR. 

    According to sub-divisional officer police (SDOP-Mandaleshwar) Manohar Singh Gavali, “there was a quarrel between two groups of devotees while offering prayers at the temple. On the complaint of one group, an FIR has been lodged against five persons from another group.”

    The FIR was lodged u/s 294, 323, and 34 IPC, besides provisions of the SC/ST (Atrocities) Act. But nowhere in the FIR was it mentioned that Dalit women, men, and children were stopped from worshiping at the temple. Instead, it was mentioned that pushing and shoving during prayers resulted in quarrels, leading to violent assault.

    Meanwhile, in the adjoining Khandwa district’s Bailwadi village of Bharadi village panchayat, Dalit devotees were reportedly stopped by the temple priest from offering prayers at the temple on Mahashivratri. However, the local police rushed to the spot and intervened, after which the Dalit people were allowed to offer prayers at the temple.     

  • Dalit devotees stopped from praying in MP temples during Mahashivratri

    Express News Service

    BHOPAL: In two separate incidents, villagers belonging to the Dalit community were barred from offering prayers at Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh during Mahashivratri on Saturday.

    Women belonging to the Balai community in Chhoti Kasrawad village of Khargone district said that the dominant caste men and women blocked their families from offering prayers and assaulted their children including two girls.

    “They (men belonging to the dominant Darbar caste) even threatened to throw our children out from the temple,” one Sharmila Bai alleged.

    The local leader of the Bhim Army Sunil Chouhan alleged that though the police have filed a case in the matter, the name of the main accused was not added to the FIR. 

    According to sub-divisional officer police (SDOP-Mandaleshwar) Manohar Singh Gavali, “there was a quarrel between two groups of devotees while offering prayers at the temple. On the complaint of one group, an FIR has been lodged against five persons from another group.”

    The FIR was lodged u/s 294, 323, and 34 IPC, besides provisions of the SC/ST (Atrocities) Act. But nowhere in the FIR was it mentioned that Dalit women, men, and children were stopped from worshipping at the temple. Instead, it was mentioned that pushing and shoving during prayers resulted in quarrels, leading to violent assault.

    Meanwhile, in the adjoining Khandwa district’s Bailwadi village of Bharadi village panchayat, Dalit devotees were reportedly stopped by the temple priest from offering prayers at the temple on Mahashivratri. However, the local police rushed to the spot and intervened, after which the Dalit people were allowed to offer prayers at the temple.     

    BHOPAL: In two separate incidents, villagers belonging to the Dalit community were barred from offering prayers at Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh during Mahashivratri on Saturday.

    Women belonging to the Balai community in Chhoti Kasrawad village of Khargone district said that the dominant caste men and women blocked their families from offering prayers and assaulted their children including two girls.

    “They (men belonging to the dominant Darbar caste) even threatened to throw our children out from the temple,” one Sharmila Bai alleged.

    The local leader of the Bhim Army Sunil Chouhan alleged that though the police have filed a case in the matter, the name of the main accused was not added to the FIR. 

    According to sub-divisional officer police (SDOP-Mandaleshwar) Manohar Singh Gavali, “there was a quarrel between two groups of devotees while offering prayers at the temple. On the complaint of one group, an FIR has been lodged against five persons from another group.”

    The FIR was lodged u/s 294, 323, and 34 IPC, besides provisions of the SC/ST (Atrocities) Act. But nowhere in the FIR was it mentioned that Dalit women, men, and children were stopped from worshipping at the temple. Instead, it was mentioned that pushing and shoving during prayers resulted in quarrels, leading to violent assault.

    Meanwhile, in the adjoining Khandwa district’s Bailwadi village of Bharadi village panchayat, Dalit devotees were reportedly stopped by the temple priest from offering prayers at the temple on Mahashivratri. However, the local police rushed to the spot and intervened, after which the Dalit people were allowed to offer prayers at the temple.     

  • MP: Congress leader calls for “killing” PM Modi to save Constitution; govt orders FIR

    By PTI

    BHIOPAL: A senior Congress leader in Madhya Pradesh has made a controversial remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking people to be prepared to “kill” Modi to save the Constitution and the future of minorities and Dalits.

    The state government has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Congress leader and former state minister, Raja Pateria, who made the remarks.

    In a video that surfaced on social media on Monday morning, Pateria can be heard telling Congress workers, “be ready to kill Modi. Kill in the sense of defeating him”.

    “Modi will end elections. Modi will divide on the basis of religion, caste and language. The future of Dalits, tribals and minorities is in danger. If you want to save the Constitution, then be ready to kill Modi. Kill in the sense of defeating him,” Pateria told a meeting of Congress workers at Pawai town in Panna district.

    MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan targeted Congress over Pateria’s remarks, saying the reality of those who are undertaking the Bharat Jodo Yatra is coming to the fore.

    “An FIR is being registered against him (Pateria) and the law will take its course,” he said.

    After the video surfaced, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra told reporters Pateria’s statement against the prime minister is very objectionable and he was immediately directing the superintendent of police to register an FIR against the Congress leader.

    Earlier, state BJP chief VD Sharma shared the video clip Pateria’s video and demanded an inquiry wondering if there is a plot to assassinate the prime minister. “Former Minister Raja Pateria’s incitement of public and Congress workers to assassinate Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi is extremely serious and condemnable. Was there any preparation for this conspiracy in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Todo Yatra from Madhya Pradesh recently? This should be investigated,” Sharma tweeted in Hindi.

    Meanwhile, Pateria issued a video statement clarifying he meant to “defeat” PM Modi in the elections but his remarks were wrongly presented.

    “A video related to a mandal meeting yesterday at Pawai has surfaced. I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi who can’t talk about killing anyone. It was wrongly presented. I wanted to say defeat Modi to protect the Constitution, dalits, tribals and minorities and also to remove unemployment,” he said.

    CM Chouhan said the “reality of those who are undertaking Bharat Jodo Yatra is coming to the fore”.

    “Congress people are not able to compete with PM Narendra Modi in the field, that’s why a Congress leader is talking about killing him. This is the height of hatred. True feelings of Congress are being revealed. An FIR is being registered against him and law will take its course,” the chief minister said in a statement.

    BHIOPAL: A senior Congress leader in Madhya Pradesh has made a controversial remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking people to be prepared to “kill” Modi to save the Constitution and the future of minorities and Dalits.

    The state government has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Congress leader and former state minister, Raja Pateria, who made the remarks.

    In a video that surfaced on social media on Monday morning, Pateria can be heard telling Congress workers, “be ready to kill Modi. Kill in the sense of defeating him”.

    “Modi will end elections. Modi will divide on the basis of religion, caste and language. The future of Dalits, tribals and minorities is in danger. If you want to save the Constitution, then be ready to kill Modi. Kill in the sense of defeating him,” Pateria told a meeting of Congress workers at Pawai town in Panna district.

    MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan targeted Congress over Pateria’s remarks, saying the reality of those who are undertaking the Bharat Jodo Yatra is coming to the fore.

    “An FIR is being registered against him (Pateria) and the law will take its course,” he said.

    After the video surfaced, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra told reporters Pateria’s statement against the prime minister is very objectionable and he was immediately directing the superintendent of police to register an FIR against the Congress leader.

    Earlier, state BJP chief VD Sharma shared the video clip Pateria’s video and demanded an inquiry wondering if there is a plot to assassinate the prime minister. “Former Minister Raja Pateria’s incitement of public and Congress workers to assassinate Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi is extremely serious and condemnable. Was there any preparation for this conspiracy in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Todo Yatra from Madhya Pradesh recently? This should be investigated,” Sharma tweeted in Hindi.

    Meanwhile, Pateria issued a video statement clarifying he meant to “defeat” PM Modi in the elections but his remarks were wrongly presented.

    “A video related to a mandal meeting yesterday at Pawai has surfaced. I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi who can’t talk about killing anyone. It was wrongly presented. I wanted to say defeat Modi to protect the Constitution, dalits, tribals and minorities and also to remove unemployment,” he said.

    CM Chouhan said the “reality of those who are undertaking Bharat Jodo Yatra is coming to the fore”.

    “Congress people are not able to compete with PM Narendra Modi in the field, that’s why a Congress leader is talking about killing him. This is the height of hatred. True feelings of Congress are being revealed. An FIR is being registered against him and law will take its course,” the chief minister said in a statement.

  • Dalit couple, son shot dead in Madhya Pradesh village

    By PTI

    DAMOH: A 32-year-old Dalit man and his parents were shot dead in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district on Tuesday after he had been accused of staring at the wife of one of the assailants, police said.

    The 32-year-old victim’s two younger brothers were injured in the attack while the main accused has been arrested, officials said.

    The incident took place around 6.30 am at Devran village under Dehat police station limits, some 20 km from Damoh district headquarters, Superintendent of Police D R Teniwar said.

    Six assailants, who belonged to the same village, allegedly shot dead the 60-year-old Dalit man, his 58-year-old wife and their 32-year-old son.

    The elderly couple’s two other sons, aged 28 and 30, were injured in the attack and undergoing treatment at the district hospital, the official said.

    Inspector General of Sagar zone Anurag told reporters after visiting the village that there had been a dispute after the couple’s eldest son — who was killed in the attack — was accused of often staring at the wife of the main accused, Jagdish Patel.

    Patel was arrested after the killings, the IG added.

    A case was registered against Patel and five others on the charges of murder under the Indian Penal Code as well as provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, SP Teniwar said.

    Search was on for the five absconding accused, he added.

    Divisional Commissioner Mukesh Shukla, who also visited the village, directed the district collector to take action against encroachments on government land by the accused and his family.

    State Congress chief Kamal Nath demanded high-level inquiry into the killing of three members of the Dalit family.

    The government should ensure security of the family and provide all possible help to them, he added.

    DAMOH: A 32-year-old Dalit man and his parents were shot dead in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district on Tuesday after he had been accused of staring at the wife of one of the assailants, police said.

    The 32-year-old victim’s two younger brothers were injured in the attack while the main accused has been arrested, officials said.

    The incident took place around 6.30 am at Devran village under Dehat police station limits, some 20 km from Damoh district headquarters, Superintendent of Police D R Teniwar said.

    Six assailants, who belonged to the same village, allegedly shot dead the 60-year-old Dalit man, his 58-year-old wife and their 32-year-old son.

    The elderly couple’s two other sons, aged 28 and 30, were injured in the attack and undergoing treatment at the district hospital, the official said.

    Inspector General of Sagar zone Anurag told reporters after visiting the village that there had been a dispute after the couple’s eldest son — who was killed in the attack — was accused of often staring at the wife of the main accused, Jagdish Patel.

    Patel was arrested after the killings, the IG added.

    A case was registered against Patel and five others on the charges of murder under the Indian Penal Code as well as provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, SP Teniwar said.

    Search was on for the five absconding accused, he added.

    Divisional Commissioner Mukesh Shukla, who also visited the village, directed the district collector to take action against encroachments on government land by the accused and his family.

    State Congress chief Kamal Nath demanded high-level inquiry into the killing of three members of the Dalit family.

    The government should ensure security of the family and provide all possible help to them, he added.

  • In pain over atrocities on Dalits, Rajasthan MLA Pana Chand Meghwal decides to resign

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Miffed over cases of alleged atrocities on Dalits, Congress MLA Pana Chand Meghwal on Monday sent his resignation to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, saying he does not have the right to stay as an MLA if he cannot protect the rights of his community.

    The development comes two days after the death of a Dalit boy who was allegedly beaten by a school teacher in Jalore for touching a drinking water pot.

    “When we fail to protect the rights of our community. We have no right to remain on the post. After listening to my inner voice, I resign from the post of the MLA, so that I can serve the community without any position,” the MLA from Baran-Atru constituency said his resignation letter.

    Meghwal said though the country is celebrating 75th anniversary of Independence, atrocities on Dalits and the other deprived classes continue.

    “I am hurt looking at the atrocities. I cannot express my pain in words, the way my community is being tortured,” he said.

    “Dalits are being killed for drinking water from a pot, sporting a moustache or riding a mare during a wedding. The judicial process is stalled and case files are passed from one table to the other. Cases of atrocities against Dalits are on the rise in the last few years. It seems there is no one to protect the rights of Dalits given by the Constitution,” he said.

    READ HERE | Dalit boy death: Mayawati demands President’s Rule in Rajasthan

    “In most of the cases lodged by Dalits, the police submit the final report. Many a times, I have raised such cases in the state assembly but no action was taken by the police,” Meghwal rued.

    Meanwhile, to probe the death of the boy who was beaten by his teacher, the state’s Scheduled Castes and Schheduled Tribes Commission chairman Khiladi Lal Bairwa arrived in Jalore on Monday.

    Indra Kumar, 9, was beaten up in the school on July 20.

    He died during treatment at a hospital in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Saturday.

    The accused teacher, Chail Singh, 40, has been arrested.

    The state government has announced a relief of Rs 5 lakh for the victim’s family.

    JAIPUR: Miffed over cases of alleged atrocities on Dalits, Congress MLA Pana Chand Meghwal on Monday sent his resignation to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, saying he does not have the right to stay as an MLA if he cannot protect the rights of his community.

    The development comes two days after the death of a Dalit boy who was allegedly beaten by a school teacher in Jalore for touching a drinking water pot.

    “When we fail to protect the rights of our community. We have no right to remain on the post. After listening to my inner voice, I resign from the post of the MLA, so that I can serve the community without any position,” the MLA from Baran-Atru constituency said his resignation letter.

    Meghwal said though the country is celebrating 75th anniversary of Independence, atrocities on Dalits and the other deprived classes continue.

    “I am hurt looking at the atrocities. I cannot express my pain in words, the way my community is being tortured,” he said.

    “Dalits are being killed for drinking water from a pot, sporting a moustache or riding a mare during a wedding. The judicial process is stalled and case files are passed from one table to the other. Cases of atrocities against Dalits are on the rise in the last few years. It seems there is no one to protect the rights of Dalits given by the Constitution,” he said.

    READ HERE | Dalit boy death: Mayawati demands President’s Rule in Rajasthan

    “In most of the cases lodged by Dalits, the police submit the final report. Many a times, I have raised such cases in the state assembly but no action was taken by the police,” Meghwal rued.

    Meanwhile, to probe the death of the boy who was beaten by his teacher, the state’s Scheduled Castes and Schheduled Tribes Commission chairman Khiladi Lal Bairwa arrived in Jalore on Monday.

    Indra Kumar, 9, was beaten up in the school on July 20.

    He died during treatment at a hospital in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Saturday.

    The accused teacher, Chail Singh, 40, has been arrested.

    The state government has announced a relief of Rs 5 lakh for the victim’s family.

  • Four of a family get life term for Dalit man’s murder in Rajasthan

    By PTI

    KOTA: A court in Rajasthan’s Baran on Friday awarded life term to five people, including four members of a family, for the murder of a Dalit man seven years ago.

    The court also imposed a fine ranging from Rs 25,000 to 50,000 on them.

    Special Public Prosecutor Awesh Singh said the court awarded life term to Amarlal Jeengar, his three sons Rohit, Rahul and Dhiraj, and Gourav Rajput for the murder of Virendra Raiger, a resident of Nayapur in Baran city.

    The murder took place in November 2015, he added.

    The convicts had attacked Raiger and his 11-year-old brother Imlesh with sticks and stones.

    The two had sustained critical injuries.

    Raiger succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital following which police lodged a case on Imlesh’s statements.

    They were booked for murder and under the SC/ST Act.

    Statements of at least 24 witnesses were recorded during the trial, Awesh Singh added.

    KOTA: A court in Rajasthan’s Baran on Friday awarded life term to five people, including four members of a family, for the murder of a Dalit man seven years ago.

    The court also imposed a fine ranging from Rs 25,000 to 50,000 on them.

    Special Public Prosecutor Awesh Singh said the court awarded life term to Amarlal Jeengar, his three sons Rohit, Rahul and Dhiraj, and Gourav Rajput for the murder of Virendra Raiger, a resident of Nayapur in Baran city.

    The murder took place in November 2015, he added.

    The convicts had attacked Raiger and his 11-year-old brother Imlesh with sticks and stones.

    The two had sustained critical injuries.

    Raiger succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital following which police lodged a case on Imlesh’s statements.

    They were booked for murder and under the SC/ST Act.

    Statements of at least 24 witnesses were recorded during the trial, Awesh Singh added.

  • UP polls: Mayawati kicks off BSP campaign from Agra, says BJP, SP and Cong ‘anti-Dalit’

    By PTI

    AGRA: BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday hit out at BJP, SP and Congress for not doing enough for Dalits and asserted that her party has a track record of working for all sections of society as she launched her party’s campaign for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

    Terming the rival parties “anti-Dalit”, she said though they make various promises in their manifestos ahead of polls, they forget about them after coming to power.

    Mayawati, who has been conspicuous by her absence from the high-octane campaigning in the state, also said she has been living in Lucknow for a year and working to rebuild the BSP.

    She said some “casteist media groups” are trying to demoralise BSP supporters by saying that their party leaders are missing on the ground.

    The BSP is contesting all 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. The party has declared names of candidates for the majority of the seats. Targeting the ruling BJP, Mayawati said the party is pursuing the “narrow-minded agendas” of the RSS.

    “Their (BJP) policies are focused on promoting casteist, capitalist, and narrow-minded agendas of the RSS. This has resulted in an environment of religious tension and hate in the state,” she said.

    “People from Dalit and backward communities have not benefitted from the BJP government’s policies, including reservation in government jobs, because it has involved the private sector in most of its projects,” she added.

    “The upper caste also feels neglected under the BJP. The government’s policies have led to price rise and an increased number of people living in poverty. “It appears that the fuel prices will be increased once the elections are over. Youngsters from the state are forced to migrate due to the lack of employment opportunities,” Mayawati said.

    ALSO READ: UP elections: Mayawati launches attack on SP, Congress and BJP in first poll rally in Agra

    The BSP chief claimed the migrants who returned to the state during Covid pandemic were forced to go back due to the lack of employment opportunities in the state. She said the common people in Uttar Pradesh have only suffered under the rule of BJP, Congress, and Samajwadi Party.

    “The BSP, which has worked for the upliftment of people from all sections of society, is the only alternative for good governance,” she added. Mayawati also accused the SP of adopting a “step-motherly” approach towards Dalits and most backward sections of society.

    “After coming to power (in 2012), the SP changed names of districts we had christened after Dalit icons,” she said. “When a bill on reservation in promotion for Dalit officers was brought in Parliament, the SP tore it and did not allow it to get approved,” she claimed.

    The BSP chief said criminals and the mafia flourished under the SP government. The Muzaffarnagar riots also took place during the SP’s tenure.

    Mayawati attacked the Congress over its “hostile” attitude towards Dalits, alleging that its government had denied the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar, who is considered the architect of the Indian Constitution, and to Dalit icon Kanshi Ram.

    ALSO READ: BJP, Samajwadi Party giving casteist colour to Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls: BSP chief Mayawati

    “They (Congress) also did not implement the Mandal Commission report on reservation in government jobs. After a prolonged struggle, the BSP got it implemented when the V P Singh government was in power,” she said.

    Mayawati also targeted the media for building the narrative that BSP leaders were absent on the ground.

     “Some casteist media groups have tried to demoralise our supporters by saying that BSP leaders are missing and not moving anywhere.  I have been living in Lucknow for the last year and have worked to build the party again in Uttar Pradesh. I want to tell the media that I have been busy with election work all this time and the BSP will return with a majority in Uttar Pradesh,” she said.

    Rival parties had on several occasions ruled the BSP “out of the race”. However, Mayawati hit back at them saying they would be proved wrong as had happened in 2007.

    The BSP came to power with a majority in Uttar Pradesh in 2007, proving pre-poll predictions wrong. Mayawati became the chief minister for the fourth time that year.

  • Congress to hold protest against Modi government over ‘atrocities’ against Dalits

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Scheduled Caste (SC) department of the Congress will hold a protest on Thursday over the alleged rise in “atrocities” against Dalits and non-implementation of measures to protect them by the BJP-led central government.

    In a statement, the Congress’ SC department chairman Nitin Raut alleged that the Modi government has been slashing allocations for the welfare of Dalits in the annual budgets, stopping and delaying scholarships.

    “Since the Bharatiya Janata Party government has come to power at the Centre, the total number of atrocities and cases of violence against Dalits and other marginalised communities have sharply increased,” the statement alleged.

    “We will raise these critical issues and demand answers directly from PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah. ‘Halla Bol’ protest will be held on 12th August 2021 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Jantar Mantar, Delhi,” Raut said.