PM Modi trying to save sinking BJP in Gujarat: Congress

The party took a jibe at Prime Minister remarks on atrocities against Dalits by the cow vigilantes

The Congress on Sunday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on atrocities against Dalits by the cow vigilantes and said it was a desperate attempt to save the sinking BJP in Gujarat.

Congress spokesperson Tom Vaddakan said: "The Prime Minister's political angle is understandable; he has lost a chief minister, he probably on the verge of losing that state. But our indignation is much higher."

Earlier in the day, the CPI (M) accused Prime Minister Modi of trying to save Dalit votes by speaking against 'gau rakshaks'.

CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat said if the Prime Minister's concern against Dalit violence is real then why no action has been taken against the anti-social elements, adding anger without action is similar to extending patronage.

"The Prime Minister's silence was heard in every single Dalit home across India and he has seen reaction on the streets of Gujarat and therefore one month after the horrendous Una incident he has spoken about it. I say that is fake anger because he wants Dalits votes," said Karat.

Breaking his silence on cow vigilantes in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday strongly condemned their actions, saying most of them were anti-social elements masquerading as gau rakshaks (cow protectors).

"It makes me angry that people are running shops in the name of cow protection. Some people indulge in anti-social activities at night and in the day masquerade as cow protectors," he said while speaking at his first townhall-style address to mark the second anniversary of his government's MyGov initiative.

The Prime Minister's comments come at a time when questions are being raised on his silence amid the spate of attacks, particularly in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, on Dalits, allegedly in the name of cow protection.