Govt plays caste card, but without checking facts

However, in Delhi, Mallahs are on the list.

On Friday, even as the deputy chairman maintained that allowing a condemnation resolution is the prerogative of the government, Naqvi sought to use the Dalit card to resolve the imbroglio. “… A Dalit woman came here, expressed her regrets, sought forgiveness. Even after that, arrogance and anarchy that is on display… the way they are stalling House proceedings… there are issues that concern the country, issues of development…”

Incidentally, the opposition joint statement on a condemnation motion on hate speeches was signed, among others, by BSP chief Mayawati, whose party has always sought to position itself as the protector of Dalit interests.

“BJP is saying that she is a Dalit woman and this is untrue. The minister neither belongs to the Dalit community, nor does she hail from scheduled caste community. She is from the backward Nishad caste,” Mayawati said. Other Dalit leaders, too, slammed the PM over his statement that Jyoti’s statement should be seen keeping her background in mind. “Maybe Naqvi was confused, maybe the caste is listed in the SC list in his own state Bihar. But I take strong objection to the PM’s statement that her background should be kept in mind. It is derogatory, an attempt to run her down. It is not in good taste, does not behove the PM of the country,” said Congress MP Kumari Selja.