BJP silences critics, condemns attack on Dalits

With the Lok Sabha all set to take up a discussion on the matter of atrocities on Dalits, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today rubbished assertions that it was behind the recent incidents and said it unequivocally condemns the attacks against the community.

BJP leader Nalin Kohli said it is extremely unfortunate that these kinds of incidents are happening in this country.

"We condemn them completely, unequivocally. At the same time, while the concern is there that these incidents should stop, law and order has to immediately act against them, where ever the culprits are.," Kohli added.

"To believe that this is a conspiracy and the BJP is behind it is equally condemnable," he added.

The Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up a discussion on the matter of atrocities on Dalits today. A decision to this effect was taken by the Business Advisory Committee of the House.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other opposition leaders had earlier raised the issue and sought the chair's intervention to allow early debate.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had earlier said there is no hesitation from the government's side to discuss this issue, adding the ruling dispensation has always been open for discussion.

The most recent incident of violence against Dalits was reported on Monday, when two brothers, who were hired to skin a cow that had died of electrocution, were attacked by around 100 'gau rakshaks' or cow vigilantes, who arrived at the spot accusing them of stealing and killing the animal.

The brothers are presently undergoing treatment at a hospital with reports indicating that one of them is critical.

As per reports, the police have identified the attackers.

The incident came just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a hard-hitting message against attacks on Dalits and cow vigilantism.

Addressing a public meeting on his first visit to Telangana on August 7 after assuming office, the Prime Minister asked the people to beware of its 'fake' protectors trying to divide society and the country and asked the states to severely punish them.

"I would like to tell all countrymen that they beware of these fake cow protectors," he said.

Prime Minister Modi asked the states to identify the people who want to destroy the social fabric and take stern action against them.