SC/ST Act: Oppressing Dalits in DNA of BJP-RSS, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its parent organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the plight of Dalits in the country.

Rahul said, “Keeping Dalits at the lowest rung of Indian society is in the DNA of the RSS/BJP. Whoever dares challenge this position is suppressed with violence.”

The Congress president also extended his support to the nation-wide Bandh called by the Dalit organisations against a Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST Atrocities Act.

“Thousands of my Dalit brothers and sisters have come out on the streets to demand protection of their rights from the (Narendra) Modi government. We (Congress and I) salute them,” Rahul added.

On March 20, the apex court had laid new guidelines that protect public servants from immediate arrest after a complaint is filed against them under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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Dalits across the country on Monday called a nationwide Bandh against the top court’s order. The protests turned violent in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh as Dalit groups tried to enforce the shutdown.

So far, four people have died in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior while several others received injuries, said IG Law and Order Makrand Deuskar.

Meanwhile, relenting to the pressure, the central government has filed a review petition in Supreme Court against its ruling.

Citing the government’s review petition, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed the protesters to maintain peace.

“We have filed the review petition in Supreme Court. I appeal to all political parties & groups to maintain peace and not incite violence,” Singh said.