Kharge Slams Modi Over Alleged Dalit Atrocity, Calls BJP’s Rule a ‘Lab of Dalit Injustices

New Delhi, August 27, 2023: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the alleged beating to death of a 20-year-old Dalit man in Sagar district’s Barodia Naunagir village. Kharge accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of turning the state into a “laboratory of Dalit atrocities” and predicted their departure from power in the state.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge stated, “A Dalit youth was beaten to death in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. The goons did not even spare his mother. The prime minister, who is pretending to build Sant Ravidas temple in Sagar, does not even speak a word against the regular oppression and injustice of Dalits and tribals in Madhya Pradesh.”

Kharge also criticized CM Chouhan, accusing him of attempting to conceal his actions by performing symbolic gestures in front of cameras. He stated, “The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh tries to hide his crime by washing the feet of the underprivileged only in front of the camera. … But the BJP has made Madhya Pradesh a laboratory of Dalit atrocities.”

Kharge further alleged that Madhya Pradesh, under BJP rule, has the highest rate of crimes against Dalits. He emphasized, “Modi Ji, the people of Madhya Pradesh will not fall under BJP’s trap this time. BJP’s departure is certain.”

The incident in question occurred on Thursday (August 24) evening, where a 20-year-old Dalit man named Nitin Ahirwar was reportedly beaten to death, and his 49-year-old mother was allegedly stripped by a group of nine people.

The attack came after the victim’s family refused to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint lodged by the victim’s sister against one of the assailants in 2019. Key accused Vikram Singh (28) and eight family members were arrested on Saturday for their involvement in the incident.