Punjab: The Punjab Congress on Tuesday launched a campaign to strengthen its base among Dalits, who constitute around 32% of the state’s total population. The ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhaan’ campaign has been launched as part of the party’s nationwide campaign. The Congress had earlier announced the launch of the campaign across the country, accusing the BJP, which is ruling at the Centre, of weakening the Constitution and the safeguards ensured for Dalits. Speaking on the occasion, state party chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged objectionable remarks during a debate in Parliament against Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, who headed the committee that drafted the Constitution.
“The BJP’s blatant neglect of Babasaheb’s contributions is not only an insult to Dalits but also an attack on the foundations of our democracy. Amit Shah must tender an unconditional public apology and resign immediately,” he said. Highlighting the discrimination being faced by Dalits, Waring alleged that the BJP has systematically targeted marginalised communities ever since it came to power at the Centre in 2014. “From the attempt to dilute the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act in 2018 to the horrific incidents of violence in Una, Hathras, the BJP government has displayed utter disdain for the rights of Dalits,” he alleged. Waring said the Punjab Congress will hold statewide protests to demand Shah’s resignation. “We will not allow the BJP to subvert the Constitution, suppress Dalits or dishonour the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar. There can be no compromise on the fight for justice and equality,” he said.
