BJP in damage control as Cong attacks V K Singh for stoning dogs remark

Manish Tewari wants criminal case filed against him, Singh suggests media take psychiatric treatment

The Congress went into attack mode in response to a statement made by Minister of State for External Affairs, General V K Singh, equating the killing of dalit children with the stoning of dogs.

"If someone throws stones at a dog, the government is not responsible," Singh had said in what appears to be a clear move to protect the central government from a tragic event in a BJP ruled state. He was referring to the deaths of two dalit children in Haryana's Sunperh village, who were victims of an arson attack allegedly committed by the powerful Thakur community.

Deputy Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, called the statement shocking and shameful, and unbecoming of a former Army general, and that there was no scope for the General to retract it now.

Congress Member Manish Tewari called the statement most reprehensible, and shocking, claiming that it insulted not only dalit community, but all indians. He added that the statement reflected the mindset of the Modi government's attitude towards dalits and minorities. Tewari called for a criminal case to be filed against Singh under the ST/SC Act and demanded his immediate ouster.

There have also been calls from the Aam Aadmi party for the Minister's sacking. AAP member called Singh's statement obnoxious.

Meanwhile, Singh himself stuck his ground and displayed no apparent remorse for the statement he made. While did condemn the killings, he refused to apologise. BJP spokesperson Udit Raj said on television that he did not agree with the minister's remark. Raj is also National Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations.