Yogi Govt created fear among Dalits, minorities, says Rahul to partymen

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has expressed his anguish over the rising atrocities against Dalits and minority communities in BJP-ruled states, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul asked his party leaders and workers to reach out to the victims of 'mindless violence' insinuated by hate speeches made by BJP leaders, and to support the victims publicly.

Attacking the Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh for creating an atmosphere of fear among Dalits and minorities, Rahul asked his partymen to expose the complicity of state agencies in targeting of these vulnerable communities also.

Rahul wrote a letter (see below) to Nitin Raut, head of the SC department of the Congress party saying, "The current dispensation has allowed  this climate of fear and lawlessness to not only prevail but also flourish.  The hate speeches made by various BJP ministers and leaders exhorting their followers to target certain communities encourages local goons to act with impunity."

Outlining an urgent need for a larger public debate about the persecution of Dalits and minorities by the BJP regime, Rahul asked his partymen to expose deteriorating situation of Dalits. He instructed Raut to raise the issues in every possible platform and report back to him.

Rahul's letter came five days after a Dalit man was beaten up in Meerut, and was forced to make derogatory statements about his community and Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

A video of the incident has gone viral in social media. The three accused are on the run ever since the incident took place. According to local media reports, the accused shot and circulated the video themselves. In a similar incident in January this year, another Dalit man was beaten up in Uttar Pradesh.