Bhatti calls for nationwide Dalit-Adivasi unity, slams ‘insult’ to Kharge | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday called for a nationwide movement to safeguard the dignity and self-respect of Dalits and Adivasis, alleging that the reported insult to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reflected continuing discrimination against marginalised communities.Addressing the ‘Dalit-Adivasi Self-Respect Conference’ organised by the Congress SC and ST MPs Forum in New Delhi, Bhatti said protecting the Constitution and its values of equality, liberty, fraternity and social justice was the responsibility of every citizen.He recalled that the Congress had adopted the first resolution against untouchability and later played a key role in implementing the Constitution.Accusing the BJP-led Centre of undermining constitutional values, Bhatti alleged that attempts were being made to promote the ideology of Manusmriti in place of the Constitution.“The Constitution is what binds every citizen of the country together. Violating the Constitution means weakening the very foundations of the nation. Several laws were enacted during Congress govts to combat discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis, but incidents of discrimination continue to occur even today,” he said.Bhatti said Kharge was not merely a Dalit leader but a senior national leader who had risen through decades of public service to occupy high constitutional and political positions.Describing the reported “purification” ritual after Kharge’s public meeting in Haldwani as an attack on Dalit self-respect, he also criticised the action taken against Rahul Gandhi for demanding an FIR in the matter.“If someone questions the authorities seeking justice for a person who has been insulted, cases are being filed against those who raise the question. This exposes the discrimination that exists within the system against Dalits and Adivasis,” he said.Urging Dalits, Adivasis and minorities to unite against discrimination, Bhatti said: “We cannot accept a situation where crores of people, including SCs, Adivasis and minorities, are treated as second-class citizens. We must all come together and fight for our self-respect.”