Modiji in defense of Dalits. Shoot me if you want, but don’t target Dalits!
In The Hindu, Aug. 8, 2015
Mr. Modi lashes out at fake cow vigilantes and warns them of stern action, for the second day running. (In the pic:) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting at LB Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
|
(Note: When I read this statement of Modi, I was forced to think of the kidnap of the Dalit bishops Gallela of Kadappa, and wished that the Catholic Bishops in India and especially its Syromalankara Cardinal chairman of the CBCI said something similar in defense of Dalits in the Church and against the ill treatment they are receiving in various churches which proclaim themselves to be the savior of the oppressed and downtrodden.
“You can shoot me rather than target the Dalits,” said Modi. This is the statement par excellence I have ever heard from Modiji's mouth in favour of Dalits, the most exploited and therefore deserving special care and assistance. This is the one cause our CCV portal is fully committed to fight for. Running rough shod over dalits and low caste sections of society is the cancer which disfigures and kills bit by bit every section of Indian society and religious group. The Kadappa kidnap was an endeavour to establish the caste superiority of Reddies. This divisive caste system must be wiped out from every section of society if India is to shine as a beacon of moral principles such as equality, love, brotherhood of all peoples (Vasudevakudumbakam,) India preaches, but does not practice in their treatment of Dalits. We the CCV portal, are with you Modiji if you can practice what you preach. We also |
The Government will not tolerate atrocities or discrimination against the Dalits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. “We should put a full stop to it. You can shoot me rather than target the Dalits,” he thundered.
Speaking at a public meeting a Gajwel in Medak district on his first visit to Telangana to launch the first phase of the Mission Bhageeratha drinking water project, Mr. Modi lashed out at fake cow vigilantes and warned them of stern action, for the second day running.
Later, addressing a meeting of booth level party workers of the Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here, Mr Modi spoke about forces trying to politicise Dalit issues. Mr Modi advised the unnamed forces not to politicise Dalit issues as it would not only harm them but also society at large.
The Government has taken up several programmes for the well being of Dalits, including making it mandatory for banks to give them loans so that instead of “job seekers they can become job givers,” he said.
During his hectic tour that stretched well over five hours on his first-ever visit to Telangana on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi specifically referred to the issues of cow vigilantism and attacks on Dalits even as he emphasised the initiatives taken by his government on welfare and developmental front.
‘Don’t politicise attack on Dalits’
The Prime Minister was on his first visit to the State laid the foundation stones for five infrastructure projects apart from inaugurating the Bhageeratha Drinking water mission.
Later addressing party workers in Hyderabad, Mr Modi warned against the politicisation of attacks on Dalits. Pointing to the welfare measures of his government, he said, “Some people are pricked by our welfare programmes for the Dalits as other governments did not do anything and they are trying to politicise [the issue].”
Mr. Modi mentioned Dr. B.R. Ambedkar memorials being taken up in Mumbai and in New Delhi as also the government’s decision to purchase property in London where Dr. Ambedkar had stayed as indications of his government’s commitment towards Dalit’s cause.
The Dalit community is a vital part of the society. They had played a key role during the freedom struggle and later for the country’s development, said the Prime Minister
