Act fast on SC/ST Act order or face consequences in K'nataka polls: BJP MP

Inaction or delayed response in rectifying the Supreme Court order "diluting" the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act will have an impact on BJP's prospects in the upcoming Karnataka election, a prominent Dalit MP said on Friday.

BJP's North-West Delhi MP Udit Raj, a former IRS officer, quit in 2003 to enter politics, said the party will suffer if no action is taken to ensure that the dilution of the Act is reversed.

Raj said he has already sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Another MP said Dalit lawmakers in the party has already met party chief Amit Shah along with Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Tawarchand Gehlot earlier to convey their sentiments and urge the government to take swift action.

"The government must file a review plea in the apex court against the order. If it does not, it will definitely impact BJP adversely. When the government takes credit for positive developments, it should also be ready to take discredit that comes its way," he said.

When asked whether the prospects of BJP will be affected in Karnataka polls if it does not take any action, Raj told DH, "Definitely it will have an impact if we do not act." However, he hastened to add that there was still time to file the review petition in the Supreme Court.

Raj, who will also seek change in a recent University Grants Commission order on department-wise implementation of reservation in appointment of faculty members, said the Supreme Court order on the atrocities prevention law has "weakened the law" by mandating prior official sanction to arrest a government employee and the nod of the SSP concerned to arrest a private person.

While a section of the party MPs has welcomed the Supreme Court order banning instant arrest under this law citing its misuse, Dalit lawmakers have raised the pitch.

Union Ministers Ram Vilas Paswan and Ramdas Athawale have also voiced their demand for appealing against the government order.