HP Cong to hold Dalit rally in Mandi soon: Sukhu

The Himachal Congress will soon hold a state-level rally in Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's hometown Mandi against the ruling BJP's "anti-Dalit" policies, HPCC chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Tuesday.

Talking to PTI on the sidelines of the Congress state executive meeting, Sukhu alleged that Dalits of the state were feeling neglected due to the ruling government's 'anti-Dalit' policies.

All these issues will be highlighted in the Mandi rally, the exact date of which will be announced soon, he added.

In reply to a question regarding his stand on the view of conducting Parliament and Assembly elections simultaneously in Himachal, he suggested that Thakur-led government first hold all local bodies elections on a single day in the state.

"Thakur is issuing statement in support of conducting Parliament and Assembly elections simultaneously in Himachal but local body elections are being held in the state on different dates, he said.

Addressing the executive meeting, party's scheduled caste wing president Suresh Kumar alleged that Dalits were being tortured in the state during the present government.

The Congress SC wing will hold a state-level one-day fast in Shimla and gherao the state Assembly against "atrocities" on Dalits, he said, adding that Samvidhan Yatra would also be organised in the state.

The Congress has been working for the welfare of Dalit community since its inception, All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and co-in charge of Himachal Congress affairs Gurkirat Singh Kotli, said.