BJP-RSS behind 'Bharat Bandh' against SC/ST Act: Mayawati
Lucknow, Sep 7 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Friday alleged that the 'Bharat Bandh' organized against the amendment to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, was in fact "a conspiracy of the BJP" and an "event orchestrated by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh".
In a statement, the Dalit leader said a conspiracy was being hatched by the ruling party to divert the attention of the people from various burning issues like the fuel price rise and the falling value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.
She added that the country was already suffering the consequences of the wrong economic policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government and alleged that the same forces were now trying to play "dirty politics" on the issue.
Defending the amendment to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the four-time Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further said that it all depended on the mentality of the government on whether the Act was misused or not.
She cited the example of her four governments in Uttar Pradesh and underlined how she ensured that the Act was not abused to harass anyone or any caste.
The people, she added, were more hassled by rising fuel prices, the dropping Indian Rupee than such issues which were nothing more than a ploy to deflect people's minds from such issues and the failure of GST and demonetization.
These issues, she added, had triggered unrest among the people and erosion of BJP's voter base across the country.
Mayawati also sounded a word of caution for the OBCs saying that the BJP and RSS opposed reservation to them in government jobs in 1990 and were now trying to hoodwink them by making tall promises and positioning them as champions.
"The BJP is trying to foment trouble by inciting casteism and violence," the BSP chief said. "I am warning the people to be very cautious of such divisive plans and casteist politics and urge them not to fall prey to it."
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Temple board expresses regret after MLA Harish Poonja's hate speech at Brahmakalashotsava in Tekkaru
Belthangady: The administrative board of Sri Gopalakrishna Temple in Tekkaru has issued a letter of regret to local Muslim leaders following widespread outrage over a hate speech delivered by Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja during the temple’s Brahmakalashotsava ceremony.
In a meeting convened between Hindu and Muslim community leaders, the temple board expressed deep regret over the derogatory remarks made by the MLA. The president of the Devara Gudde Seva Trust, Sri Gopalakrishna Bhatrabailu, wrote a letter addressed to the Saralikatte Muslim Okkoota, stating that the board welcomes continued cooperation from the Muslim community and hopes for the restoration of communal harmony in the village.
The incident occurred on the night of May 3 during the Brahmakalashotsava celebrations, where MLA Harish Poonja allegedly made inflammatory comments targeting the local Muslim community. He accused members of the community of vandalising temple lights and stealing diesel, remarks which were captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The speech has been condemned by various quarters for being communal and inciting hatred. An FIR has also been registered at Uppinangady Police Station in connection with the incident.
Muslim representatives had earlier submitted a letter to the temple board seeking clarification on the MLA's speech. In response, a joint meeting was held, during which the board acknowledged the community’s contributions and extended an apology.
It was brought to the notice of the board that the Muslim residents of Tekkaru had actively supported the temple festival in various ways. Munir donated a tree for use in the event, Abbas provided land for building the stage, and vehicle parking was arranged on land owned by the children of T.H. Ustad. Additionally, Muslim families offered their properties for water supply and food distribution, and even contributed financially. Local Muslims had also displayed banners wishing success for the event.
