Monsoon Session: Opposition Targets Govt Over Attack on Dalits in Gujarat

New Delhi: Parliament witnessed stormy scenes on Wednesday with the Opposition trying to corner the Narendra Modi government over the alleged atrocities against Dalits in Gujarat. As soon as the House met for the day, opposition MPs were on their feet raising slogans against the government over the issue.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and AAP MP Bhagwant Mann are also likely to raise the issue in Parliament.

Gujarat has seen violent protests for over one week after a video emerged of Dalit men being beaten in Gujarat's Una district for allegedly skinning a dead cow. Seven people have also tried to commit suicide during the protests.

Sonia, who chaired the Congress Parliamentary Party meet on Wednesday, is using the recent attack against Dalits in Gujarat to hit out at the Centre.

"Modi government snatched away rights of Adivasis, Dalits and traditional forest dwellers. The Modi government is systematically weakening and subverting environmental rights. Brutal atrocities against SC, ST and minorities are continuing with impunity. Four Dalit youth savagely beaten and humiliated publicly in Gujarat is an example of social terror this government condones," Sonia said.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati also raised the issue in Rajya Sabha. "It is a matter of great concern. This incident is against human rights. Congress party is the major opposition party in Gujarat and still they did nothing. They should have acted long before. All these people are together against Dalits," she said.

Assuring action in the incident, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said FIR was lodged against the culprit and accused have been booked under Atrocities Act. A time bound CID investigation has been ordered in the incident.

"I condemn these incidents where Dalits are tortured, beaten up. We will set an enquiry. Gujarat government has taken strict action against the police officers involved, and they have been charged under Section 307 under IPC. I think parties shouldn't politicise the matter," Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.

Under fire from all quarters, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met the youth, who were attacked, in hospital.