Graphics: Deepak Saluja
A day after the Union Minister of State Gen (Retd) VK Singh stirred controversy by making an ill-phrased analogy between Dalit killing and a dog, Bharatiya Janata Party’s crucial ally in Bihar Jitan Ram Manjhi slams Singh for the remarks saying, ‘it shows his samant wadi (Feudal) mindset’.
“The incident itself is a blot on humanity. Such an incident in the 21st century, to burn someone alive is a maha paap (cardinal sin). After this, if someone compares it to throwing a stone at a dog, this is a maha-galti (huge mistake). He should not have said this. It shows his samant wadi (feudal) mindset,” Former Bihar Chief Minister said to NDTV.
He added, “Whatever criticism of such a man (Singh) and statement is done, it is not enough. I think he should apologize to society. The Prime Minister should look into this personally and ensure such statements are not made again,” Manjhi told the TV channel.
Though after facing huge ire, Singh apologized for the comments, but it already gave enough ammunition to the opposition to point guns at Modi government in center.
“Aghast at the senseless comment made by some BJP leaders, including the Union minister, on tragic Dalit killings in Haryana,” tweeted incumbent Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Aghast at the senseless comment made by some BJP leaders including Union Minister on tragic Dalit killings in Haryana
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 22, 2015
Kumar’s ally and top BJP rival Lalu Prasad Yadav too attacked Prime Minister over Singh’s remarks and advised him to tame his ministers.
“Desh mein ye sab kya ho raha hai… mana ki jubaan mein haddi nahi hoti par Modi ke mantrion ki badjubaani desh ke reedh ki haddi tod rahi hai (what is happening in the country, one can understand that tongue’s are boneless, but disparaging remarks by Modi’s ministers are breaking the backbone of the country),” Prasad tweeted.
Another BJP ally and Singh’s ministerial colleague Ram Vilas Paswan urged him to refrain from making such statements. “I don’t descend to such low talk, have never done it with any issue,” LJP Chief Paswan told reporters.
On Thursday Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen (Retd) VK Singh stirred a controversy with his remark over the burning of two toddlers in Sunped village in Faridabad district. Singh said “If someone throws a stone at a dog, you will hold the government responsible.”