Dalit Cong worker alleges 'casteist language' by Maken

A controversy erupted today with a dalit Congress worker accusing Ajay Maken of using "derogatory and casteist language" against him, and lodging a police complaint, a charge dismissed by the Delhi PCC chief who claimed the voice clip was a "doctored" one.
Complainant Dharmpal Natkhat today submitted a complaint at Mandir Marg Police Station alleging that Maken had used "derogatory and casteist words" against him soon after the birthday celebrations of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi at the AICC headquarters here yesterday.
Maken rubbished the allegation against him claiming that the voice clip was "doctored" and that he never used the alleged words.

"The tape (voice clip) is doctored. I am in politics for 34 years and I have never used such language against anyone and no one has ever alleged me of using such language," he said.
Dharmpal in his complaint claimed that while meeting Rahul Gandhi at 24, Akbar Road office of the party, he mentioned about the death of his son December last and expressed his disappointment that Maken did not pay a visit that time, at which the party vice-president asked Maken to visit Dharmpal's house next day.
He alleged that following this Maken called him and used "derogatory language and casteist words" against him.

Dharmpal, who runs a catering business, claimed that he was registered as a Congress member way back in 1978 and rose to be elected as secretary of the Delhi unit of party's volunteer wing Sewa Dal.

Claiming his close association with several senior party leaders, Dharmpal also said he was a life member of Congress and will remain so despite the incident.
In his complaint, he has asked police for protection expressing threat to life.
"We have received a complaint and looking into it," New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jatin Narwal said.
At the AICC briefing, party spokesman Jairam Ramesh faced a volley of questions on the issue including whether Maken should apologise.

Ramesh said that Maken has already clarified the whole issue and he is not likely to say anything more.
"Dont trivialise the AICC briefing when we are talking of issues like Raghuram Rajan, FDI policy and NSG," he said.