Karnataka: ‘Untouchability Still Exists’: Khandre Condemns ‘Purification’ After Kharge Event
Khandre termed the incident as an example of untouchability still being practised in the country: Reports
BIDAR: “If this can happen to Mallikarjun Kharge, what will be the fate of ordinary people?” Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B Khandre asked while condemning the reported “purification” of the Ramlila Maidan in Uttarakhand after the AICC president addressed a gathering there.
Speaking to reporters in Bidar on Sunday, Khandre termed the incident as an example of untouchability still being practised in the country.
Khandre said it was shameful that such an incident had taken place after Kharge, a senior leader who has served as a Union and Karnataka minister and as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, addressed the gathering. Kharge is currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
The Minister alleged that the support extended by the BJP to right-wing organisations was responsible for such groups having the courage to carry out such acts. He said the manner in which Dalit leaders were treated within the BJP was known to everyone.
He alleged that while the BJP sought to woo Dalits for electoral purposes, it continued to keep untouchability alive at its core.
“The day is not far when the people of the country will understand this and keep those following the Manusmriti ideology and the BJP supporting them away from power,” Khandre said. He demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the reported purification ritual and sought strict punishment under the law, describing the act as “inhuman and unconstitutional.”