Amit Shah blames 'vested political interests' for creating panic about reservations

Amit Shah said that the support of PM Narendra Modi and the BJP towards minorities in unwavering.

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Tuesday attacked political parties for instigating innocent Dalits and minority groups to win elections. Terming this as an old script, he said: "The script is now old…before every election, the same vested interest groups start spreading panic about reservations. BJP’s stand is clear, which I am once again stating- we fully believe in the Constitution given by Babasaheb and the rights it has given to SC/ST communities."

He also said that the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP towards minorities in unwavering. "At every juncture and in all possible ways, @BJP4India stands shoulder to shoulder with the Dalit community. Modi Government’s commitment to fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision is unwavering. All the efforts of the Government are aimed at transforming the lives of Dalits," he said.

He also said that the Prime Minister met MPs belonging to the SC communities and assured them that the government is doing everything to protect the rights and wellbeing of Dalits. "Right from the day the Honourable Supreme Court gave a judgment on SC/ST Atrocities Act, Central Government acted in an immediate and informed manner. An effective review petition has been filed that will protect rights of Dalits," he tweeted on Tuesday.

Defending the government stand, he said that through "the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015, the NDA government has actually strengthened the provisions of the Act. This was done in line with our commitment to the welfare of SC & ST communities."

Blaming political parties for the losses that the innocent people have suffered, the BJP chief said that people with vested interests should apologise. "Due to the politically driven manifestations of a microscopic minority of dejected and rejected political parties, crores of innocent people suffered. These parties owe our Dalit sisters and brothers an apology for their misdeeds," he said.

He also attacked the Congress for indulging in negative politics. "Congress, which is mocking the DNA of PM @narendramodi is the same party which: Defeated Dr. Ambedkar not once but twice. Made flimsy excuses to ensure his portrait was not placed in Central Hall. Denied him a Bharat Ratna. India has seen through their negative politics!," he tweeted. Assuring that the Centre will support the Dalits in every possible way, he said: "we will continue our efforts to make our Dalit sisters and brothers the makers of New India. We will fulfill their aspirations and dreams. Jai Bhim! Jai Hind!"

His comment comes after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had on Monday slammed the BJP and RSS for the plight of Dalits saying it is in the "DNA of the RSS/BJP to keep Dalits at the lowest level in Indian society." 

Large parts of the country have been bearing the brunt of Dalit anger over the recent Supreme Court verdict diluting the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Violence was reported from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and a few other states as Dalit groups and security personnel clashed resulting in death and destruction.