H Anjaneya to dalits: Seek fair deal in education

Bengaluru: Reacting to the protest by a section of Dalits in Hassan over denying them entry into a temple, Social Welfare minister, H. Anjaneya on Monday asserted that the Dalit community instead needs to break its shackles and demand more opportunities in the education sector.

He alleged that the Hassan episode points to the fact that untouchablity is prevalent in the state. Speaking to reporters here, he said, “I do not understand why Dalits need entry into temples where idols are worshipped.” He added that a large percentage of Dalit community is dependent on daily wages for their livelihood and such  protests will not help them financially.  “Let us (Dalits) find our God in our work, let us get motivated by poet-saint-social reformer, Basavanna who gave us a mantra, work is worship,” he contended. To a question, he said he was not worried how long he would be a minister as this was a decision to be taken by Congress high command and the CM.