Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched a fierce attack on the Congress during a rally in Haryana, branding the party as “anti-Dalit” and accusing it of repeatedly humiliating prominent Dalit leaders such as Kumari Selja and Ashok Tanwar.
Shah’s sharp criticism of the Congress comes as tensions rise ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.
“The Congress has always disrespected Dalit leaders,” Shah said. “Be it Ashok Tanwar or sister Kumari Selja, the party has insulted them all. It’s a party that turns its back on those who serve it, especially Dalits.”
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah pointed to Gandhi’s controversial remarks on reservation and assured the crowd that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can truly safeguard the quota system. “If there is anyone who can protect the rights and reservations of Dalits, it is Narendra Modi,” he asserted, positioning the BJP as the true defender of the community’s interests.
The ruling BJP has been capitalising on reports of Kumari Selja distancing herself from the Congress’s campaign, using her absence as a political weapon. Recently, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal extended an invitation to Selja to join the BJP, fuelling speculation about her future in Congress.
“Congress never awarded Bharat Ratna to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It was the BJP that honoured him by establishing Panchteerth and recognizing his contributions through Constitution Day,” he remarked. He also took a direct shot at Bhupinder Singh Hooda, accusing him of selling government jobs.