Congress criticises PM, Amit Shah for not acting against BJP MLA Raja Singh

After the Hyderabad Police registered an FIR against BJP Hyderabad MLA T. Raja Singh for allegedly supporting the assault on Dalit men in Gujarat's Una town, Congress leader and Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes P.L. Punia on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah for not acting against him, while alleging that top BJP leadership likes such statements.

"He had used objectionable words for the Dalit community that whatever happened with them in Una was right; and warned that if they would do it in the future, they would meet the same fate. The matter is in the knowledge of the Prime Minister and the BJP national president, but they have not taken any action against him. I understand that the top leadership of the BJP likes such statements, which encourage their leaders to make such statements time and again," Punia told ANI.

"The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has also sought action against him and today we came to know that a case was registered against him. Law will take its course, but it is moral and political responsibility of the BJP to take action against him," he added.

The Mangalhat Police on Thursday registered a case against Raja Singh.

Singh had put a video on his Facebook page overtly supporting the Gau Rakshak Samiti (Cow Protection Committee) workers who thrashed Dalits, who were skinning a dead cow in Una, Gujarat.

"I support the beating of Dalits whoever slaughter cows to consume its meat...I also support those who taught them a lesson," Singh said in his two-and-half minute video, uploaded on July 30.

He reportedly called the Dalits who indulged in cow slaughter as 'galeez' (filthy).

Justifying the assault on Dalits in Una, Singh said, "Those Dalits who were taking the cow, the cow meat, those who were beaten, it was a very good thing to happen."

He appealed to the Gau Rakshaks to keep up the good work and continue to serve the nation and community this way.

He issued a threat to people of all the communities to refrain from any activity that requires killing of cows.