Congress today expressed concern over the growing incidents of violence against dalits, women, and minorities and trained its guns on the ruling BJP while accusing the Narendra Modi government of "not" taking any steps to stop such incidents.
Congress leader P L Punia said the manner in which objectionable statements are given by BJP leader, MPs and even some Ministers, it has the "concurrence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he has remained silent over them.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said before polls that 'achche din' will come. But we feel today that bad days have come on women, dalits and the poor, who are being subjected to violence and atrocities.
"The incidents of atrocities on dalits, the incidents of violence and rape against women are also on the rise in the country. Women are being raped and beaten up. Clouds of crisis are hovering over them. It seems there is no place for them in society. Those in power are not doing anything," he said.
The Congress leader, who is also chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes said the kind of statements from leaders of the ruling party, including some MPs and Ministers indicates their "mentality" against the oppressed sections of society.
He also criticised the Defence Minister for his statement against actor Aamir Khan. Puniya said Parrikar instead of protecting people is threatening them and recalled the remarks given by another Union Minister V K Singh.
Punia also criticised Ramdas Athawale for asking Mayawati of leaving Hinduism and taking to Buddhism, and asked if this statement had the consent of the entire Modi cabinet as the Council of Ministers have a collective responsibility.
He said the gang rape victim in Haryana's Rohtak is being pressurised to withdraw the case and was raped again by the same accused and government is doing nothing.
Punia said the manner in which the Prime Minister is silent over "objectionable" statements of Ministers and party MPs, "it can be construed that such statements have been given with consent and approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Speaking about the state of affairs, the Congress leader said, "the overall situation is bad. The manner in which cases of violence are happening against women, it is shameful. The Congress Party strongly condemns this attitude of the Central government. We want that dalits, women and other downtrodden be given due respect."
Terming the recent rape incident involving a mother and a daughter on a UP highway as "shameful", Punia said "the situation in Uttar Pradesh is worrisome as goons are ruling the roost. But those in power have responsibility towards the people of the state.
