BJP Dalit leaders air concern

New Delhi: Simmering anger and discontent among the BJP’s Dalit leaders have begun to come out in the open. A day after the Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJP) threatened an “aggressive Dalit stir” on August 9, BJP’s prominent Dalit face, Dr Udit Raj virtually held the government responsible for “failing” the community. Undeterred by any retaliatory strike by the BJP high command for criticising the Centre on Dalit issues before the 2019 general elections, Dr Raj said, “Instead of taking action, the BJP should rather thank me. I am making them aware of their nonperformance and shortcomings.” 

Speaking to this correspondent on his way back to New Delhi from Kolkata, Dr Raj breathed fire against the Dalit ministers in the Union cabinet. “They are like parasites. They are enjoying the benefits and perks of being ministers while ignoring the community,” he said. There are speculations in the BJP that upset with his “frequent outbursts” against the party on Dalit issues, a section of “influential saffron leaders” were against re-nominating him from North-West Delhi constituency.

On possible action, Dr Raj claimed that he was “not speaking against the party, but in its favour.”  He maintained that the party must take “effective steps to stop atrocities on Dalits.” He, however, dismissed “rumo-urs” that he was planning to switch camps.  Making it clear that he is one of the “many voices which go unheard” in the BJP, Dr Raj said, “No one listens to me. I have no say in the party.”  Accusing the government of “failing” the Dalits, Dr Raj said that the so-called policies for the welfare of the community were “not being communicated.”