Gujarat incident being politicised: Minister

Contending that the Gujarat incident of violence against dalits has been politicised, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot today said such incidents had taken place in Congress-ruled states as well but BJP "never spoiled" the social atmosphere.
"An attempt has been made to give a political colour to this incident," he said in Rajya Sabha referring to the thrashing of some dalits by cow protection activists in Una in Gujarat.
In an obvious reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Una, he said, "those talking about going to Gujarat... Such incidents took place even under Congress rule... An incident occurred in Agra (UP), we did not go there to spoil the social atmosphere. There was rape and murder in Kerala... But we did not politicise it."

Gehlot, whose ministry is incharge of dalit affairs, said the incident in Una was "unfortunate and condemnable" but questioned why violence and arson took place after July 17-18 after the issue was raised in Parliament.
"We should reflect seriously. Facts were not presented properly because of which there were misconceptions," he said.
"State government has taken strict action in this case," he said, adding that provisions under Prevention of Atrocities against Dalits have been invoked against the accused.

The state government is giving compensation and is working towards setting up special court, Gehlot said.
He said the Modi government has made a strong law to prevent atrocities against dalits and punish guilty.

Reeling out data, he said no cut has been made in the SC-sub plan.