United nationwide struggle needed to protect self-respect: Telangana Dy CM Bhatti
New Delhi, Sept 29 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has called for a united nationwide struggle to protect the self-respect of Dalits and Adivasis, condemning the alleged insult to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Speaking at a Dalit-Adivasi Self-Respect Conference organised by the Congress SC and ST MPs Forum here, said that it was the responsibility of every citizen to protect the Constitution, which established the values of equality, liberty, fraternity and the abolition of untouchability in the country.
He recalled that the first resolution against untouchability was adopted under the leadership of the Congress, followed by the adoption and implementation of the Constitution.
Bhatti alleged that the BJP, which is currently in power at the Centre, does not have faith in the Indian Constitution. He criticised what he described as attempts to promote the ideology associated with the Manusmriti and Manu Dharma Shastra in place of constitutional values.
“The Indian Constitution is what binds every citizen of the country together. Violating the Constitution means weakening the very foundations of the nation,” Bhatti said.
He stated that several laws were enacted during Congress governments to combat discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis, but expressed concern that incidents of discrimination continue to occur even today.
Condemning incident Involving Kharge, Bhatti said Mallikarjun Kharge was not merely a Dalit leader, but a senior political leader who had risen to some of the highest positions in public life through decades of political struggle.
He recalled that Kharge had served as a Minister in Karnataka, Congress Legislature Party leader, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and is currently the national president of the Congress party.
Bhatti said that the reported ‘purification’ ritual conducted in Haldwani following Kharge’s public meeting was a serious issue concerning the self-respect of Dalits.
Why Was a Case Filed Against Rahul Gandhi? Bhatti questioned and criticised the action taken against Rahul Gandhi when he protested demanding registration of an FIR over the incident involving Kharge.
He said that instead of taking action against those responsible, a case was filed against Rahul Gandhi.
“If someone questions the authorities seeking justice for a person who has been insulted, cases are being filed against those who raise the question. This exposes the discrimination that exists within the system against Dalits and Adivasis,” Bhatti said.
Will the 20 Crore Dalits Be Ignored, he questioned and pointed out that crores of people belonging to SC, ST and minority communities live across the country.
He said governments have a responsibility to implement the constitutional guarantees that ensure equal rights and dignity for all citizens.
“We cannot accept a situation where crores of people, including SCs, Adivasis and minorities, are treated as second-class citizens. We must all come together and fight for our self-respect,” he said.
Bhatti stressed the need to expand the movement across the country to prevent discrimination and humiliation against Dalit and Adivasi communities.
“Let us go to every state, create awareness among the people and fight for our self-respect. We will not tolerate any insult,” he asserted.
The Deputy Chief Minister said there was a need to protect the social justice laws enacted during Congress governments.
He called upon Dalits, Adivasis and weaker sections to stand united under the Congress banner for the protection of their rights and dignity.
TNT KM
