Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has launched a fierce critique of the Congress party, branding it as ‘anti-Dalit’ and accusing it of disrespecting Dalit leaders. His comments come in the wake of Union Minister Amit Shah’s remarks regarding Rahul Gandhi’s previous statements about reservations.
Allegations of Insulting Dalit Leaders
In an interview, CM Saini asserted, “The basic character of Congress has always been that it is anti-Dalit. They have always insulted their leaders.” He claimed that when any Dalit leader within Congress attempts to rise through hard work, the party’s historical pattern is to undermine them.
Saini recalled incidents during the tenure of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda from 2009 to 2014, citing negative comments made by Congress Dalit leaders during that period.
Reminder of Congress’ Rule and Violence Against Dalits
In a post on X, Saini reminded the Dalit community of the ‘dangerous’ and ‘violent’ rule under Congress and Hooda, stating, “There is no need to tell the Dalits of Haryana how dangerous and violent was the rule of Congress and Hooda for the Dalits, whose nightmares haunt them even today.” He emphasized that the Hooda government was complicit in numerous instances of Dalit oppression.
Saini referenced specific incidents, including the Mirchpur tragedy, where a Dalit girl was burned alive, as evidence of Congress’s alleged failure to protect Dalit rights during Hooda’s administration.
Congress’ Treatment of Dalit Leaders
The Chief Minister also criticized Congress for its treatment of prominent Dalit figures, asserting, “They have humiliated and despised everyone from Baba Saheb Ambedkar to Babu Jagjivan Ram, Sitaram Kesari, Ashok Tanwar, and now a Dalit woman leader.”
As Haryana approaches the legislative assembly elections on October 5, Saini’s statements underscore the ongoing political tensions regarding Dalit issues in the state. Votes will be counted on October 8, coinciding with those in Jammu and Kashmir.
