Modi failed to defend Dalits in SC: Rahul

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the Modi government for failing to defend a law to prevent atrocities against Dalits and tribals, in the Supreme Court.

In a ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had diluted the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by ruling that no public servant or a private person can be arrested merely on charges made against them under the law.

"The SC/ST Act is the most important instrument to prevent atrocities on Dalits/Adivasis. A complicit Modi govt failed to defend it in the Supreme Court," Gandhi said.

Gandhi said the Prime Minister must not abdicate his duty in favour of the anti-Dalit mindset of the BJP/RSS.

Congress also demanded a review of the Supreme Court ruling.

"There is a feeling of insecurity among the SC/STs and other oppressed classes. We feel there should be a review of this decision in national interest," senior Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters here. He was flanked by  party colleagues  Ahmed Patel, Kumari Selja, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Raj Babbar and Randeep Singh Surjewala.

The Congress leaders questioned the Modi government's silence on this issue and demanded a clarification

Scindia said the BJP and RSS want to end reservation.   Neither the prime minister nor any minister in the government has expressed any concern so far.

Surjewala, chief spokesperson of the Congress, accused   the Centre and the Maharashtra government, parties to the case, of not defending the Dalit cause.