As polls draw close,parties play caste card

The recent incident seems to have given all the political parties a perfect platform to project themselves as champions of Dalit rights,which according to a senior leader will set a wrong precedent.

Issues pertaining to the needs of Dalits including the issuance of SC/ST certificates,abolishing contractorship,better housing facilities and job opportunities have been taken up by almost all parties during their public meetings.

Congress party,which finds itself in the eye of the storm with their leaders being accused of passing the remarks,has been quick to highlight that they have adequate support of the Dalit community.

It was even pointed out that the Mayor as well as the senior deputy mayor from their party are Dalits.

Party leaders also announced that they would be holding a rally especially for Scheduled Castes later this month.

Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Harmohan Dhawan said,“The city comprises a substantial population of Dalits. We are confident of their support.”

The youth wing of BJP has also extended support to the protestors.

A member of National Conference of Dalit Organisations,Bhagat Rana,said,“There are around 1.20

lakh Dalit voters in the city. Thus,we comprise a substantial vote bank. The treatment that is meted out to us is a primary consideration.”