Bharat Bandh has left BJP scared, says BSP chief Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the Bharat Bandh, called by the Dalit groups on April 2, has scared Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

''Bharat Bandh protest was largely successful. This has left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards dalits. Many dalits and members of their families are being arrested,'' said Mayawati.

The Bharath Bandh on April 2, had led to loss of atleast 11 lives. The central government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court.

Mayawati’s remarks came after four BJP Dalit MPs – Chhote Lal Kharwar, Yashwant Singh, Udit Raj and Ashok Kumar Dohre, flagged the discontent among the community both in the party as well as in the country.

“I believe the proud Dalit communities will not forgive the selfish BJP Dalit MPs,” lashed out BSP chief Mayawati.

According to media reports, the Dalits who participated in the protests against the SC/ST Act were being tortured and false case were being filed against them in numerous states. Over 100 people people were arrested for encouraging the protests in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district.