Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, calling Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s insult a direct attack on Dalit self-respect, warned of a nationwide movement.
New Delhi: Calling Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s alleged insult a symbol of the ongoing discrimination against marginalized communities, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka delivered a strong message on Tuesday. He called for a nationwide movement to protect the dignity and self-respect of Dalits and Adivasis.
South Asians and Diaspora
Addressing the “Dalit-Adivasi Self-Respect Conference” organized by the Congress SC and ST MPs Forum in New Delhi, Vikramarka emphasized that protecting the Constitution and its core values of equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice is the paramount responsibility of every citizen of the country.
During his address, he recalled that the Congress party had passed the first resolution against untouchability and later played a key role in implementing the Constitution. Targeting the BJP-led central government, he alleged that attempts are being made to weaken constitutional values and promote the ideology of Manusmriti in place of the Constitution.
Bhatti stated that the Constitution of India binds every citizen of the country in a strong bond, and violating it directly means weakening the foundation of the nation. He expressed concern that although many stringent laws were enacted during the Congress governments to address discrimination against Dalits and tribals, unfortunately, incidents of discrimination continue to surface in society.
Referring to Mallikarjun Kharge’s political stature, he clarified that he is not merely a Dalit leader, but a senior national leader who has achieved high constitutional and political positions through decades of public service. He described the alleged “purification” ritual that followed Kharge’s public meeting in Haldwani as a direct attack on Dalit self-respect. He also strongly criticized the action taken against Rahul Gandhi, who had demanded an FIR in the matter.
Questioning the functioning of the system, he said that if someone seeks justice for an insulted person or questions the authorities, they are then sued. He believes this situation fully exposes the deep-seated discrimination against Dalits and tribals within the system.
Appealing to Dalits, tribals, and minorities to unite against discrimination, Bhatti sternly stated that we cannot accept a situation where millions of people, including Scheduled Castes, tribals, and minorities, are treated as second-class citizens. He strongly urged everyone to come together and fight to protect their self-respect.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News