VK Singh's statement reflects Modi Govt's 'anti-Dalit' mindset: Congress

The Congress on Thursday dubbed Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd.) VK Singh's inhumane remarks on the Ballabhgarh incident to be demeaning and said that it reflects the anti-Dalit mindset of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, while reacting to General (Retd.) Singh's remark that 'the Centre was held responsible even if someone 'threw stones at dogs', said that a case must be filed against the latter.

"Statement passed by V.K. Singh is demeaning, disparaging, insulting. The inhumane remarks about our Dalit brothers and sisters are derogatory, condemnable and reprehensible. It reflects the anti-Dalit mindset of the Modi Government and his ministers," Surjewala said.

He added that the Union Minister was prone to making such controversial statements in the past and that he could not remain as someone who defends the Constitution on a daily basis.

"Let me remind you that VK Singh called the protesting literary icons and artists as 'drunkards'. He also recently called the Army Chief and other senior defence officers with whom he had served as 'dacoits'. He also described the entire press fraternity as 'prestitude' just because they did not agree with him," Surjewala added.

The Congress leader demanded that a case be slapped against General (Retd.) Singh under Prevention of Atrocities on Scheduled Caste Act Section 3 and 4 and said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes even a little in his own conviction then he must apologise to the entire nation on behalf of his Cabinet colleague and sack him.