Congress alleges victimisation of Dalits in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR - Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil Monday charged Chief Minister Narendra Modi of victimising Dalits who oppose his policies against the interest of the socially marginalised people.

“Cases are being filed against Gujarat Dalit leaders at the instance of the chief minister,” said Gohil, who is also the leader of opposition in the state assembly.

He added that the irresponsible policies of the government have resulted in injustice to Dalits.

Attacking Modi for his approach, the Congress leader said that the Dalit leaders against whom he is initiating action are leaders of standing, known for their commitment to the cause of the socially marginalised people.

“The Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government is neglecting the welfare of the Dalits. The backlog of unfilled posts in the reserved category has been growing,” he said.

Instead of filling up these posts, efforts are being made to cancel them. The government does not respond positively when Dalit leaders go for any work, he said.

There is criminal delay in giving promotion to Dalits, he said.

A look at the record of the last five years shows that the budget for Dalit-centric projects has remained unused.

Gohil said commercialisation of education has created a situation where Dalits cannot afford education in institutions offering self-finance courses.

He said a new system in Gujarat Public Service Commission Examinations has resulted in a steep fall in the number of Dalits getting selected.

Dalit candidates now have to opt whether they want to compete for reserved category seats or the general seats and the merit list is prepared accordingly, he added.