PM Narendra Modi should make statement on Dalit issue in Parliament: Mayawati

She described the prime minister's recent statements on Dalits as an exercise in 'damage control'

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in Parliament on the issue of atrocities on Dalits.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the recent statements of the prime minister on Dalits were an exercise in "damage control".

Ahead of UP elections and polls in some other states, there have been incidents like the Rohith Vemula episode, the Una attack on youths and other atrocities which have affected the Bharatiya Janata Party's image with regard to Dalits, Mayawati claimed.

"Our party wants that rather than expressing sympathy with Dalits, the PM should focus on acting against those who commit atrocities against them," the BSP chief said.

She also demanded that Modi should speak on the issue in Parliament. "If he can speak on it outside, he can also say it in the House," she said.