The BC welfare minister expressed concern that such incidents could revive caste discrimination and deepen social inequalities, potentially creating law-and-order problems
Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday condemned the BRS over the alleged “purification” of a site at Erravalli where Dalits had staged a protest while playing traditional dappus. Ponnam, speaking in the legislative council said dappu is traditionally associated with Dalit communities and its use during protests is not new. He expressed concern that such incidents could revive caste discrimination and deepen social inequalities, potentially creating law-and-order problems.
In a related development, Congress MLC Addanki Dayakar, speaking to mediapersons at the assembly media point, urged the Election Commission of India to consider revoking the recognition of the BRS, alleging that the conduct of its leaders is undermining democratic and constitutional values. He recalled the sacrifices of Dalits, Girijans and Adivasis during the Telangana movement and accused the former BRS govt of failing to make a Dalit the chief minister despite coming to power invoking their support. He also cited the removal of former deputy chief minister T Rajaiah as an example of what he described as the BRS’ anti-Dalit approach. Dayakar demanded that the Election Commission examine the conduct of the BRS and take appropriate action. The ECI maintains a formal process for recognition and derecognition of political parties.
He also criticised the BJP for similar purification rituals at a venue attended by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge . Prabhakar urged the legislative council to condemn the Erravalli incident, express regret and call upon BRS leaders to rectify their actions. He stressed that social justice, equality, dignity and constitutional values must be upheld in Telangana.