Savitri Bai Phule, BJP MP and Dalit leader, on Wednesday said that only a pro-Dalit party would form the next government at the Centre.
Ms. Phule, who has been critical of her party over atrocities against Dalits, presented a 15-point charter of demands at a press meet here. Asked if the Opposition move to project Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate would hinder the prospects of the BJP, she said: “Only a party that will work for Dalits will form the next government.”
She appealed for withdrawal of cases against Dalits who were arrested during a country-wide protest on April 2 after the Supreme Court order on the SC/ST Act.
Ms. Phule said despite giving notice in the Lok Sabha, the House had failed to take up discussion on the matter, and called upon Dalit MPs to unite on the issue and raise the matter in Parliament.
Asked if she was unhappy with the Modi government over its handling of the Dalit issues, Ms. Phule said that as a “responsible” Dalit leader, it was her duty to highlight atrocities.