TMC walk out of Rajya Sabha over growing attacks on dalits

Says, rights of dalits and minorities are being curtailed in direct disregard to the Constitution

Trinamool Congress on Monday staged a walk out of Rajya Sabha demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over growing attacks against Dalits.

Raising the issue, Derek O'Brien (TMC) said he has given a notice under rule 267 seeking adjournment of business to take up a discussion on the trend of disregarding the Constitution and rising protests across the country over attacks of dalits and minorities.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the notice has been disallowed.

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) said rights of dalits and minorities are being curtailed in direct disregard to the Constitution.

Observing that the government set up NIA to curb anti- national activities, he said these attacks were also anti-national.

"The Prime Minister has to come and make a statement on growing atrocities on SCs and STs," he said.

As Kurien said though the subject was important, the notice under rule 267 has been disallowed, TMC members started shouting slogans.

"Pradhan Mantri bayan do, bayan do (Prime Minister should make statement)," they shouted.

As Kurien firmly held on to his position that their notice cannot be taken up, TMC members walked out of the Rajya Sabha.