“The ‘Purification’ Incident Involving Kharge Is an Attack on the Constitution and Social Justice: Rao Narender Singh

Chandigarh: Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh has launched a scathing attack on the BJP and RSS over the alleged ‘purification’ incident involving Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. He said that treating a person in such a manner on the basis of his caste is not merely an insult to an individual, but an insult to the Constitution of India, democratic values and the spirit of social equality.

Rao Narender Singh said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensure that a case is registered under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in this serious matter and that strict action be taken against those responsible. He said that instead of maintaining political silence on the issue, the government should take immediate action in accordance with the law.

He said, “The Constitution of the country guarantees every citizen the right to live with equality, respect and dignity. In such a situation, discriminating against a person on the basis of caste is against the very spirit of the Constitution. If such treatment can be openly meted out to the national president of a major political party in the country, one can imagine the situation faced by ordinary Dalits, the poor and other deprived sections of society.”

The Haryana Congress President said that the BJP and RSS must clarify whether they stand with the ideology of the Constitution or with a “Manuwadi” mindset. He said that Rahul Gandhi has continuously been raising the issue of protecting the Constitution and strengthening the fight for social justice, and that the Congress will not compromise, under any circumstances, on the dignity and respect of Dalits, tribals and weaker sections.

Rao Narender Singh said that no incident of discrimination or harassment against Dalits can be treated as normal and ignored. The law is equal for everyone, and if a person has been subjected to humiliating treatment on the basis of caste, the matter should be impartially investigated and legal action should be taken against those responsible.

He said that while the Constitution shows the country the path of equality and brotherhood, on the other hand, serious questions continue to be raised over the ideology of the BJP-RSS, which poses a grave challenge to social equality and constitutional values.

Rao Narender Singh demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take immediate cognizance of the matter and direct the concerned authorities to initiate action under the SC/ST Act and ensure that those responsible are punished in accordance with the law. He said that protecting the Constitution and social justice is not only the responsibility of the Congress, but also the responsibility of every democratic government.