Minister seeks Dalit atrocity case against Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Social welfare minister Merugu Nagarjuna has said AP was “number one” in attacks on Dalits during the Chandrababu Naidu government’s term of 2014-19.

“Atrocities against Dalits were registered largely during the 14 years when Chandrababu was chief minister. We are ready to prove the sharp increase in atrocities on Dalits during the Naidu terms. In view of these, SC and ST atrocity cases should be filed against Naidu,” the minister said.

Nagarjuna said the government of chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy would take immediate action if and when such incidents occur in AP. “We are proud to tell you that if all the SC and ST people in the state are living happily with positive changes in their lifestyle, this is because of Jagan Reddy’s support to the Dalits.”

An SC-ST atrocity case can be registered against Ramoji Rao who grabbed Dalit lands for his Ramoji Film City, the minister said.

The minister said, “The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has given a report about the attacks on Dalits during Chandrababu's terms. The report stated that Andhra Pradesh is the state where the SC-STs have been attacked the most in the country during Naidu’s rule. Ramoji Rao did not see this today. I directly ask Ramoji Rao whether he is playing the role of an eyeless kabodhi or a speechless mute. I am asking. Will you answer?“