Centre failed to present effective case against SC/ST Act's dilution: CPI(M)

The CPI(M) today condemned the deaths of agitators during protests against the Supreme Court's ruling on the SC/ST Act and accused the central government of failing to present an effective case on the issue in the court.

The Left party in a statement said the response to the call for a 'Bharat Bandh' by various Dalit organisations had been widespread in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.

"This shows the anger against the Supreme Court's decision to dilute the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act", it said.

The party claimed that the situation had arisen because of the failure of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"The politburo condemns the brutal police firing which has led to the death of four people in Gwalior, Bhind and Morena in BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh. In many other places, there have been attacks by police on protesters. One person has died in Alwar, Rajasthan.

"Such a situation has arisen because of the failure of the Modi government to present an effective case against the dilution of the Prevention of Atrocities Act," the statement alleged.

The CPI(M) said it had become "imperative" that the review petition in the Supreme Court be effectively argued by the government counsel.

The CPI also demanded adequate compensation to the families of victims and punishment for the police officials who, it alleged, carried out the attacks.