BJP wants Dalits to exist at the bottom rung of society: Rahul Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that the BJP and RSS believed that Dalits and Adivasis should exist at the bottom rung of society.

Rahul Gandhi posted a video on Twitter showing atrocities against Dalits.

The Congress president wrote: "Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how it’s openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed."

The video begins by stating that there is "horrific untouchability and violence against Dalits under the BJP."

It states that though PM Modi preaches co-operation by everyone, "every 12 minutes, Dalits faces atrocity, everyday six Dalit women are raped". 

"Dalits are facing countless atrocities at the hands of PM Modi's brand of development."

In the video, the Congress president claims that the BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa practices untouchability in the 21st century and that he accepts Dalit votes but not food from a Dalit kitchen.

Referring to the Una incident, the video states that "lynchings are the essence of caste relations in Modi's India."

It concludes by stating, "Why are Dalits constantly prosecuted in Modi's new India... His silence reflects the mindset of RSS and BJP... Speak-up Mr Modi."
 

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also chimed in, tweeting that Dalits did not need "empty outreach strategies like having meals with them. What they need is empowerment with dignity and justice. Will you take affirmative action or will you continue to send your leaders to Dalit homes with packed dinners?." 
 

He was referring to Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Raina who had gone to a Dalit home for a meal carrying packed lunches.

About 23 per cent of Karnataka's population comprises of Dalits.

The state goes to polls on May 12.