Mevani asks PM Modi to speak up about Dalit violence
Newly-elected Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani took up cudgels against PM Modi asking him to clarify his position on Dalit violence. Earlier, an FIR was filed against Mevani and JNU student Umar Khalid for their allegedly "provocative" speeches at the bi-centenary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle. They were also not allowed to address a Mumbai event. What does Mevani have to say? Read on!
Mevani thunders "Why is Modi silent on Dalit violence?"
Mevani asked Modi to clarify his position on Dalit violence. He listed events: Rohit Vemula's suicide, Una and Saharanpur Dalit violence and now the Bhima-Koregaon event. Mevani bellows that though Modi calls himself an Ambedkarite, he does not follow Babasaheb Ambedkar's core agenda of "annihilation of caste." He questioned that why is "caste still alive" when we have reached Mars.
'No part of my speech was provocative, I'm being targeted'
Slamming BJP, Mevani said that he finds their action of slapping a criminal case against him "childish and immature." He said they are trying to "tarnish" his image. Moreover, he claimed that this was an after-effect of the Gujarat elections, where BJP is reduced to only 99 seats. Mocking them further, he said, "Maybe, BJP is in no mood to celebrate."
Mevani also goes on to clarify his allegedly "inflammatory" statements
Mevani claimed that nothing in his speech was inflammatory and it's available online. He had allegedly said that caste differences won't be destroyed through electoral politics, but would have to be taken to the streets. He said this was wrongly interpreted as "street fights" when his intended meaning was that a "people's movement" is required, within the ambit of law and order.
Mevani declares that BJP is scared of him!
Mevani declared that BJP is scared for 2019. This is especially because his impact is increasing. He threatened PM Modi that if he tries to tarnish his image, BJP will pay a heavy price in 2019. Further, he announced a youth rally on January 9, where he will approach Modi to choose between the Constitution and Manusmriti. How will BJP react to this?
