-Abdul Baari Masoud
New Delhi: Former MP and National Chairman of Dalit, OBC, Minorities, and Adivasi Parisangh (DOMA Parisangh), Dr. Udit Raj, criticized the BJP for neglecting Dalits and Adivasis. He highlighted that two key posts in the National Scheduled Caste Commission have been vacant for a long time. Accusing the BJP-led government of mere lip service, he demanded immediate appointments to ensure justice for Dalits.
Thanking Rahul Gandhi for raising these concerns, he slammed BJP leaders for insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar while claiming to support Dalits. Without naming Amit Shah, he pointed out that BJP removes Ambedkar’s portraits from offices but pretends to champion Dalit rights.
Lakhs of Scheduled Caste people look to the commission for justice but are left disappointed, he said. On DOMA Parisangh’s request, Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over the commission’s inefficiency. Dr. Raj called BJP’s mindset anti-Dalit.
The National Scheduled Caste Commission is a constitutional body meant to ensure justice for Dalits. Though its effectiveness is limited, people still trust it. The Vice Chairman and Member posts have been vacant for a year. The chairman and other members remain inactive. In the previous term, one post also stayed vacant.
Dr. Raj accused the commission of corruption and inefficiency. “Thousands of complaints are pending without action. BJP appoints unqualified members with no interest in solving Dalit issues,” he said. He demanded the commission disclose the number of pending complaints and how many have been resolved.
