NDA policies responsible for rise in dalit atrocities: Cong

Stepping up the attack on BJP, Congress today said atrocities on dalits were on the rise in the country and were part of a pattern that is seen not just in the comments of BJP and RSS workers but also in policies of the NDA.
"Atrocities against dalits in the country are at their peak. This has become a symbol of the BJP government.
"This is a pattern of BJP and RSS. This is a chauvinistic pattern. This pattern we see not just in their comments but also in their policies and actions ever since they came to power," Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev said.

This, the Congress leader alleged, is seen in budgetary cuts in schemes for scheduled castes and some BJP-ruled states implementing a law fixing educational qualifications for contesting polls that is most detrimental to members of SCs.
"It is a pattern and we condemn it," she said, adding that BJP may have suspended its Uttar Pradesh leader but other leaders have also been saying so in the past.
She also recalled the statement of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on reservation made ahead of Bihar polls and Union Minister V K Singh's remarks a few months ago, besides the latest incident in Una of Gujarat.

"The heinous incident that happened in Una in Gujarat is shameful and is condemnable," she said.

Dev said members in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have condemned the statements of UP BJP vice president against BSP chief Mayawati.
"Whether in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, everybody has condemned the statement coming from the party or organisation with such a chauvinistic ideology," she added.
The issue of atrocities on dalits in Una of Gujarat and the statement against Mayawati by a BJP leader have come as a shock to BJP, which is seeking to woo dalits across the country ahead of UP polls.

The issues rocked Parliament with opposition members accusing the government of being anti-Dalit.