Stop sympathising, act against Dalit attackers: Mayawati tells PM Modi

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the recent statements of the Prime Minister on Dalits were an exercise in “damage control”.

Ahead of UP elections and polls in some other states, there have been incidents like the Rohith Vemula episode, the Una attack on youths and other atrocities which have affected BJP’s image with regard to Dalits, Mayawati claimed. “Our party wants that rather than expressing sympathy with Dalits, the PM should focus on acting against those who commit atrocities against them,” the BSP chief said.

She also demanded that Modi should speak on the issue in Parliament. “If he can speak on it outside, he can also say it in the House,” she said.

PM Modi on Sunday issued a call to “stop attacking Dalits”, saying “shoot me if you want, not Dalits”, and asked people to beware of “fake gau rakshaks” who “have a problem with the country’s unity” and “only want to destroy society”.

While the Prime Minister had criticised “gau rakshaks” during his town hall meeting on Saturday, it was for the first time that he was referring to the Dalit issue, which had ignited a nationwide debate following the flogging on July 11 of members of the community for skinning dead cattle in Gujarat’s Una.

Mayawati on Wednesday, asked PM Modi to ensure “strict action” against those indulging in attack against Dalits in the name of cow protection and not just show sympathy. “Recently, atrocities were committed against two Dalits in Andhra Pradesh and they are in very serious condition,”

Mayawati told reporters outside Parliament. “I want to tell the Centre, particularly the Prime Minister, that on the issue of attacks against Dalits, the government should not just show sympathy towards Dalits. There is a need for strict action against those involved in these cases,” the BSP supremo said.