New Delhi: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Centre for its inaction, accusing them of harboring an "anti-Dalit mentality" over the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) two key posts lying vacant for over a year.
NCSC, a vital institution safeguarding the rights of Dalits, has been left crippled with two key posts lying vacant for over a year.
In a social media post on X, the LoP wrote, "See another proof of the anti-Dalit mentality of the BJP government! The National Commission for Scheduled Castes, which protects the rights of Dalits, has been deliberately neglected - two of its key posts have been lying vacant for the last one year."
He said that this blatant neglect is a slap in the face of the Dalit community, undermining their constitutional and social rights. As a constitutional body, it serves as a beacon of hope for Dalits seeking justice and protection from persecution. By leaving these posts vacant, the government is effectively silencing the voices of Dalits, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
"This commission is a constitutional institution - weakening it is a direct attack on the constitutional and social rights of Dalits. If not the commission, then who will listen to the voice of Dalits in the government? Who will take action on their complaints?" he added.
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He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fill the vacant posts to restore the Commission's strength and uphold the rights of Dalits.
"Prime Minister, all the posts of the Commission should be filled as soon as possible so that it can effectively fulfill its responsibility of protecting the rights and interests of Dalits!" added Rahul Gandhi.
Earlier, protests were held against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during his visit to his parliamentary constituency, Raebareli.
Bahujan Samaj Party supporters organised the protests over Rahul's statement on party supremo Mayawati.
The BSP supporters put up posters highlighting Rahul Gandhi's double standards and accused him of being just a benefactor of the Dalit.
The protests burst out after Rahul Gandhi, on February 20, indicated that if Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati had fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with Congress, they would have surely defeated the BJP.
Rahul Gandhi asked students, "Why doesn't Mayawati fight elections properly?" while addressing an event at the Mool Bharti hostel in Raebareli.
A student tried to raise the hostel's issues, after which Gandhi intervened and asked him, "What do you think about Kanshiram ji?".
After the student gave his response, Rahul Gandhi said, "Why doesn't Mayawati fight elections properly?". We wanted Behenji to fight elections along with us against the BJP."
