Just days after at least 11 people were killed in protests called by Dalit groups across the country, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati called the protests a huge success. The BSP chief claimed that the success of the Bharat Bandh demonstrations on 2 April has left the ruling BJP scared, and as a result, the BJP Government is committing atrocities and targeting Dalits.
After the huge success of Bharat Bandh, and the anger felt amongst Dalits and Adivasis, has left the BJP Government in states and the Centre shaken. They have started believing that they are losing their power. As a retaliation, the BJP government led police and administration has begun targeting Dalits.Mayawati, BSP Chief
Mayawati alleged that in a bid to retaliate, BJP ruled states are having the administration arrest Dalit leaders and their family members, and are committing atrocities against them. This is especially rampant in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan claimed the BSP Chief.
Mayawati’s remarks come days after the Supreme Court diluted stringent provisions under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Atrocities Act that mandated the immediate arrest of an accused. The verdict was opposed by Dalit groups, who launched a nationwide Bharat Bandh, following which reports emerged of false complaints against Dalits who participated in the demonstrations.
Four Dalit BJP MPs – Yashwant Singh, Udit Raj, Chhote Lal Kharwar and Ashok Kumar Dohre have expressed their discontent over the atrocities being carried out against Dalits.
Taking on the four BJP MPs, BSP supremo Mayawati however, said that the proud Dalit communities won’t forgive them.
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