Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Aug 8: Mangaluru city south assembly constituency, Mangaluru south and north block Congress committees on Monday August 8 jointly organised a protest in front of the DC's office here, condemning the recent attacks on Dalits and the 'anti-Dalit policy' of the RSS in 'dividing the nation'.
Prior to the protest, a rally was held from Dr Ambedkar's statue at Town Hall to DC's office.
Addressing the protesters, MLC Motamma said, "I am happy that all of you have stood up for Dalits. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal in the name of cow vigilantism are involved in atrocities against Dalits. The BJP government came to power by making false promises and carrying out a propaganda against Congress. Today we should question the Sanga Parivar as to who has given them the right to assault the Dalits. We have police and judiciary to question anything illegal. Prime Minister Modi has issued a statement that 'before assaulting Dalits you should kill me first'. By calling them 'fake cow vigilantes' he has given a tight slap on the face of the RSS, the VHP and the Bajrang Dal. When their leader Modi has said this, they should not mete out atrocities against Dalits.
"Dalits are Adivasis. They are trying to live a decent life. What right do the vigilantes have to assault them in the name of food? Dalits who are doing leather related jobs are assulted, but ironically, everyone wants leather shoes, jackets and sofas. Where does this leather come from? What right do they have to snatch away these people's jobs?
"When Dayashankar issued an abusive statement against BSP leader Mayawati, why did the BJP not expel him from the party? In Gujarat, people have revolted against the assault on Dalits by placing dead cows in front of the DC's office. In Karnataka also people will have to do this if this continues. We too have respect for 'Gau Mata'. Has any fake cow vigilante, be it from Bajarang Dal or VHP, ever buried a dead cow by offering puja? They turn their faces and just walk off. Let Modi give strict orders to these goons not to to attack the Dalits and thereby give protection to the Dalits," she demanded.
Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo said, "From about 6 months atrocities on Dalits in various parts of the country are increasing. Congress has always worked for the betterment of the poor, the backward, Dalits and the unprivileged in the society. But in the changing scenario, since the new BJP governmnet came to power at the centre, attacks on Dalits have increased. It is wrong to control someone's food practices. Hence, Congress party by way of protest is trying to bring to the notice of the central government that this is wrong. But this protest alone will not solve the problems of the Dalits. I call upon everyone to continue this protest and protect the Dalits from these atrocities."
Chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D'Souza said, "The citizens of this nation elected a PM who orchestrated a massacre like Godhra in Gujarat. Modi said these are fake cow vigilantes, but he too is a part and parcel of fake politics. Today Bajrang Dal and VHP activists stop lorries and attack. They barge into school and create havoc. Who has given them this right? Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution gives the Dalits the rights and freedom to come to the main stream and this right cannot be curtailed by these people. India stands second in beef export in the entire world. The Dalits do not have protection. When the PM himself has agreed, he should take moral responsibility and resigne. Let him face the people and go for fresh elections.
"Modi is cheating the people. Yeddyurappa convened a meeting about BJP's 'Mission 150'. It is not about the people of this nation, it is to win 150 seats and come to power. BJP has never introduced any programme for the welfare of the Dalits. Whenever there has been any atrocity or trouble, the first people to visit them and listen to their grievances have been Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders. We should fight against this injustice and stand by Dalits," he asserted.
MUDA chairman Kodijal Ibrahim, mayor Harinath, Congress leaders Mithun Rai, P V Mohan and others were present.