Sack V K Singh, send him to jail for anti-Dalit remark: Mayawati

BSP supremo Mayawati today demanded immediate sacking of Union minister V K Singh for his dog remark on the Dalit killings in Faridabad and said he should be sent to jail for his "petty, mean and low-level mentality".

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately dismiss him. He should be sent to jail for harbouring such petty and low-level mentality towards Dalits," Mayawati told reporters at a hurriedly convened press conference here.

Her outburst came after Singh's controversial remarks that "government cannot be held responsible if somebody stones a dog".

"The comment is against the self-respect and honour of Dalits all over the country. Our party not only condemns it, but also demands from the Prime Minister that he should immediately dismiss him for having such petty, mean and low- level mentality and send him to jail," an angry Mayawati said.

"If Modi does not do the same, it will be taken that he has nothing to do with the pride of Dalits and his recent announcement of building memorial in the name of Ambedkar is merely aimed at taking advantage of their votes," she said.

At the press meet, the BSP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister accused the BJP government in Haryana of being "insensitive" towards Dalits and termed as shameful the killing of two children who were burnt alive three days ago in Faridabad.

"It clearly indicates that BJP is not at all concerned or sensitive towards Dalits. It shows insensitivity of the Haryana government."

She said the incident is more shocking because it happened despite the police deployment in the area.

"Despite police presence, four dalits were burnt alive. What was their fault. It was because they (Dalits) wanted to live with self-respect," she said.