Opposition corners BJP over Dayashankar Singh's derogatory slur

With suspended BJP state vice president Dayashankar Singh's derogatory remark against BSP supremo Mayawati snowballing into a major controversy, the opposition parties on Thursday rallied behind the issue to corner the ruling government at the Centre.

Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi said the BJP should be ashamed about such a derogatory language being used for a 'woman Dalit leader'.

"This is the first in my life that I have heard such a derogatory language being used for a Dalit woman leader. Dalits have been, for ages, facing insult," he told ANI.

"On one hand they celebrate Amdedkar jayanti, and on the other you are insulting the social empowerment brought about by Dr. Ambedkar's efforts. BJP should be ashamed," he added.

The BJP has expelled Dayashankar Singh from the party for six years following the uproar in political circles. BJP state president Keshav Prasad Maurya yesterday sacked him from the party, hours after he announced that Singh had been relieved from all organisational responsibilities.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O'Brien said Singh's apology for his remarks may not be enough, adding, "He may have to go behind bars".

"BSP, Trinamool and others have given notice for discussion on Dalits issue to come up," he said.

Dayashankar Singh's remarks drew severe criticism from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P.J Kurien, saying that the House wants the government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his unforgivable comments.

There was uproar in the Upper House earlier as the BSP leaders demanded Dayashankar Singh's arrest for his unwarranted remark against the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley earlier expressed 'personal regret' in Parliament over Singh's remark.

"It is not right and I condemn the use of this word. And if a person has said this, we will investigate. I express personal regret. I associate with your dignity and stand with you," Jaitley told Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha.

The BSP chief on her part thanked Jaitley and other leaders in the Rajya Sabha for supporting her on this matter.

"There are war of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," Mayawati said.

"Dayashankar Singh should be arrested otherwise if in response to this the people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added.