Modi's outburst an attempt to woo Dalit vote bank ahead of UP polls

Mangaluru, Aug 8: Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee on Monday staged a demonstration in the city to protest Sangh Parivar's atrocities against Dalits in the country.

Addressing the protesters in front of DC office, MLC?Motamma questioned the double standards' of Prime Minister?Narendra Modi who kept mum during a series of attacks on Dalits and others in the garb of cow vigilantes were reported in the country and spoke only after Dalits boycotted BJP rallies in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Ms. Motamma said members of groups such as Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagran Vedike were continuing with their attacks on Dalits in Karnataka and other parts of the country.

She said that instead of showing “lip sympathy,” Mr Modi should take action to help Dalits solve their economic and social troubles.

Referring to the recent incident at Shantipura in Chikkamagaluru district, where a youth was roughed up for bringing beef, that led to disfiguring of his hands and legs, Motamma called the attackers inhuman. Going a step ahead, she also described the right wing activists as man-eaters', who are under the illusion that they are the only protectors of cows.

All India Congress Committee member P.V. Mohan said Mr. Modi was speaking against attacks on Dalits to get more votes in the forthcoming Assembly elections in UP. “It is no surprise to hear the PM speak against attacks on Dalits. He is aware that they form a big vote base,” he said.

Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo called on the party workers to instil confidence in the minds of Dalits, by visiting their colonies. The Dalits are a traumatised lot now, living under constant fear, he added.

Earlier a rally was taken out from Town Hall to the deputy commissioners office. Chief Whip in the Legislative Council Ivan D'Souza, Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Chairman Ibrahim Kodijal – who is also the acting president of Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee – and others were present.