Pandemonium in Lok Sabha over Gujarat anti-Dalit violence

The Congress and other opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, on Wednesday tried to corner the government over the ongoing violence against Dalits at Una in Gujarat.

Members, including Congress floor leader Mallikarjun Kharge, tried to raise the issue more than once. However, as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan called for taking up the question hour, opposition members rushed to the well of the house.

Among others, Congress members, including Sushmita Dev and Deepender Singh Hooda, and members also from Left parties raised slogans like "Pradhan mantri jawab do" (Prime Minister must answer)".

Among Trinamool Congress members, Kalyan Banerjee, Prasun Banerjee and Saugata Roy were seen raising slogans even as their party colleague Sugata Bose wanted to put supplementary questions to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members, including floor leader B. Mahtab, were also up on their feet.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, making a statement during zero hour, termed as "unfortunate" the attack on Dalits at Una on July 11.

Condemning the attacks, he said Gujarat Police had acted swiftly and nine people have been arrested so far.

Lauding the role of the BJP government after the incident, he said the state government is also trying to set up a special court for speed trial of the case.

"But the state needs to take the permission from the high court in this connection," Rajnath added.

--IANS

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