PM Modi should make a statement on Dalit issue in Parliament: Mayawati

BSP chief Mayawati demanded on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in Parliament on the issue of atrocities on Dalits.

BSP chief Mayawati demanded on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in Parliament on the issue of atrocities on Dalits.

BSP chief Mayawati interacts with journalists at Parliament House in Delhi. (PTI)

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Mayawati alleged that the recent statements of the Prime Minister on Dalits were an exercise in “damage control”.

Ahead of UP elections and polls in some other states, there have been incidents like the Rohith Vemula episode, the Una attack on youths and other atrocities which have affected BJP’s image with regard to Dalits, Mayawati claimed.

“Our party wants that rather than expressing sympathy with Dalits, the PM should focus on acting against those who commit atrocities against them,” the BSP chief said.

Mayawati also demanded that Modi should speak on the issue in Parliament. “If he can speak on it outside, he can also say it in the House,” she said.