Violence during Dalit protests sign of weak, selfish leadership, says Shiv Sena

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday said that the violence during the Bharat Bandh protests called by Dalit organisations over the alleged dilution of SC/ST Act was an indication of a “weak” and “selfish” leadership.

“Incidents of violence happen when the leadership is weak and selfish,” the Shiv Sena said in an editorial in party’s mouthpiece ‘Saamana’.

In the hard-hitting editorial, the Sena accused the BJP-led NDA government of “breaking” the country in the name of caste.

“The country had once been divided in the name of religion. If it is once again being broken apart in the name of caste, where is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and what is he doing?” the Sena asked.

The Sena said that coming out on the streets against a Supreme Court order was against the ideology of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar - father of the Indian Constitution.

Also Read | SC/ST Act: Supreme Court refuses to stay ‘dilution’ order, next hearing after 10 days

On Monday, at least 11 people died and scores others were injured in the violence that broke out during the ‘Bharat Bandh’ protests called by Dalit organisations against the alleged dilution of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The disgruntled BJP ally also raked up Punjab National Bank scam and said that while diamond jeweller Nirav Modi “looted” the nation, the ruling government was “breaking” the country.

“Creating a social divide and fanning riots for the sake of votes is political corruption. Nirav Modi looted the nation, however, the present dispensation is breaking the nation,” the Sena lashed out.