Politicians rushing to Dalit households to break bread with them but ordering food, utensils and even waiters from outside is an "insult" to the people belonging to the weaker sections, BJP MP Sadhvi Savitri Bai Phoole said on 3 May.
While statues of BR Ambedkar were being vandalised, the culprits are not being put behind bars. So, mere propaganda will not serve any political purpose, she said.
The sharp comments from the Bahraich MP come in the backdrop of a controversy, over the recent visit to a Dalit home by a UP government minister affiliated with the BJP. Other saffron party leaders too have visited Dalit households in the recent past.
I disagree with the trend of politicians going to Dalits’ homes. The father of our Constitution, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was against the caste system so those who follow him should not use caste for political purposes. Why are only Dalit bhojs (meals) hyped in the media and not similar events at places belonging to any other caste?Sadhvi Savitri Bai Phoole
"The way media reports are showing that food, utensils and waiters are outsourced... It is an insult to Dalits. It is a mockery of Dalits," she added.
Raising more questions, the saffron-robed parliamentarian asked why even after decades of independence she was referred to as a 'Dalit MP'.
"The President is termed as Dalit President. Had Dr Ambedkar's Constitution been followed in letter and spirit, the situation would have been different," she asserted.
She said if anyone wanted to enhance the honour of Dalits, they should have meals cooked by them and in their utensils.
Statues of Dr Ambedkar are damaged but arrests are not made. Dalits are murdered. Instead of ensuring justice to them, this propaganda will not help anyone.Sadhvi Savitri Bai Phoole
Phoole said more vacancies for SC community should be created and Dalits should be given jobs on priority. They should be given houses to live and quality education so that their living standards can rise, she added.
In recent times, several leading politicians, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, had dinner at Dalit households.
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