Atrocities against Dalits haven't increased under Modi govt: Athawale
What's the story
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale today said it was wrong to say that cases of atrocities against Dalits have increased under the Narendra Modi government.
Noting that caste-related violence was continuing in the country, the Dalit leader from Maharashtra said irrespective of which party is in power, the government should take stringent action against the perpetrators.
Here are more details.
Social perspective
Atrocities against Dalits must be viewed from social perspective: Athawale
"I don't agree that (cases of) atrocities against Dalits have increased under Modi government, but they continue to take place," Athawale said.
The Republican Party of India (RPI) leader said the issue shouldn't be politicized as attacks on Dalits have happened in the past and may continue to happen in the future.
The issue, he noted, must be viewed from a social perspective.
Atrocities against Dalits
45,000-46,000 cases of atrocities against Dalits registered in 10yrs: Athawale
Athawale said the statistics from the last 10 years revealed that every year, nearly 45,000 to 46,000 cases of atrocities against Dalits were registered in India.
The BJP has been criticized over Dalits being attacked in the states ruled by party, particularly the incident in Una, Gujarat, where Dalits were flogged in 2016.
Athawale further batted for the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra.
2019 elections
Athawale will contest from Mumbai South Central in LS polls
The Athawale faction of the RPI aligned with the Shiv Sena-BJP combine in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. However, when the Shiv Sena-BJP severed ties in 2014, Athawale chose BJP over the Shiv Sena. Later, Athawale was made a Minister in the Modi cabinet.
Athawale asserted he will contest from Mumbai South Central in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Information
RPI doesn't have any representation in Lok Sabha: Athawale
"The Republican Party of India (RPI) does not have any representation in the Lok Sabha. I will contest from Mumbai South Central. I will ask the BJP to compensate the Sena with some other seat from their quota," Athawale said.