Claiming that the Dalits were "eclipsed" under the present dispensation in Gujarat, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar on Monday criticised the Narendra Modi-led government for the "atrocities" meted out against Dalits and other backward sections of the society.
"The present government in Gujarat has a poor track record in tackling crimes against the backward sections of the society," Kumar said addressing the day-long 'jan-mitra shibir' (conference of party workers) organised by the scheduled caste cell of Congress.
She claimed that Dalits were "eclipsed" in Gujarat at present.
"In the year 2005, there were a total of 967 cases of atrocities against Dalits in Gujarat where many were murdered, raped, burnt and seriously injured," Kumar told the gathering of party workers who had assembled from different parts of the state.
"This year in just six months, there were a total of 412 cases of atrocities registered against backward classes including Dalits," she said adding the figures she was quoting were sourced from the Social Justice department of Gujarat.
"In many of these cases FIRs are yet to be registered," Kumar added.
{{/usCountry}}"In many of these cases FIRs are yet to be registered," Kumar added.
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