Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale talks to Sreeparna Chakrabarty on the NDA’s Dalit outreach and right for cow protection.
Dalits and minorities have been attacked, and some in the name of over cow protection.
Protect cows but do not kill human beings. State governments must take action. You cannot blame the Centre. I condemn the language used against Mayawati by Dayashankar Singh. There should be an additional Superintendent of Police in districts which report higher incidents of crimes against Dalits.
Will this affect BJP’s poll prospects in the Assembly elections in UP and Punjab?
This will be an issue. I am ready to campaign for BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati is not the sole custodian of Dalits. My slogan in Uttar Pradesh will be “Neither SP, nor BSP, only BJP”. My party will also field its candidates in the state.
Any other priorities?
I plan to increase the scholarship amount given to SC/ST students, especially those in residential schools. Schools run by NGOs also need to be upgraded, and we will try to give them better facilities. We are planning to increase the number of old age homes for retired people who do not have children to take care of them.