PUNJAB CONGRESS SC CELL PROTESTS AGAINST VINDICTIVE FIR REGISTERED AGAINST RAHUL GANDHI

Face2News/Chandigarh

The SC Department of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee today held a strong protest against the FIR registered against Leader of the Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi, accusing the BJP of resorting to vindictive politics to silence those raising their voice against caste discrimination and atrocities against Dalits.

Addressing the protest at Punjab Congress Bhawan, senior Congress leader and former Punjab Minister Raj Kumar Verka launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of playing divisive politics of hate and attempting to undermine the constitutional values established by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Verka said that the FIR against Rahul Gandhi was a clear example of the BJP’s politics of intimidation and revenge. “Instead of taking action against those responsible for promoting caste discrimination and insulting the dignity of Dalits, the BJP government has chosen to target Rahul Gandhi for raising his voice against injustice,” he said.

He pointed out that the recent incident in Haldwani had exposed the BJP and RSS mindset towards Dalits. After Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public rally, a so-called ‘shuddhi-karan’ or purification ritual was allegedly performed at the venue merely because a Dalit leader had addressed the gathering.

“This is not just an insult to one individual or one community; it is an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Constitution and the principle of equality enshrined in our democracy,” Verka said.

He further expressed grave concern that despite the seriousness of the incident, no meaningful action had been taken against those allegedly involved. Instead, Rahul Gandhi, who courageously raised the issue and demanded accountability, was targeted with an FIR.

Verka said that the BJP was systematically targeting Dalits, women, OBCs and minorities through divisive and dangerous politics. He asserted that while regressive social ideologies historically denied equal rights and dignity to Dalits and women, Babasaheb Ambedkar gave India a Constitution that guaranteed equality, justice, liberty and dignity to every citizen.

“Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution was a healing touch to thousands of years of oppression and discrimination. Today, the BJP must explain why those who allegedly practice caste discrimination are being protected while Rahul Gandhi is being targeted for speaking against such injustice,” he said.

Taking a strong exception to the BJP’s double standards, Verka said that BJP leaders had earlier spoken about ensuring a fair investigation and strict action, but no visible action was taken against those accused of carrying out the discriminatory act. “On the other hand, an FIR was registered against the Leader of the Opposition for raising his voice. This clearly exposes the BJP’s vindictive politics,” he added.

Verka said the Congress party would never be intimidated by such tactics. “The Congress party did not bow before the British Empire, and it will certainly not be silenced by the BJP’s cheap tactics of intimidation and political vendetta,” he asserted.

The Punjab Congress SC Department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Constitution and the rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes and other marginalized sections. The party said it would continue its struggle on the streets and in democratic institutions against caste discrimination, injustice and any attempt to suppress the voice of the Opposition.

The Congress leaders demanded that the FIR against Shri Rahul Gandhi be withdrawn and that strict action be taken against those responsible for any act of caste discrimination and insult to the dignity of the Scheduled Caste community.