The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government, accusing it of deliberately neglecting the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). He termed this as “proof of the anti-Dalit mentality of the BJP government.”
In a post on X, Gandhi stated, “The National Commission for Scheduled Castes, which protects the rights of Dalits, has been deliberately neglected – two of its key posts have been lying vacant for the last one year. This commission is a constitutional institution – weakening it is a direct attack on the constitutional and social rights of Dalits.”
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks come amid growing concerns from Dalit rights activists and opposition leaders regarding the BJP government’s alleged indifference toward institutions meant to safeguard marginalized communities. The NCSC, established under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution, plays a crucial role in monitoring and investigating matters related to Scheduled Castes’ welfare and rights. However, key vacancies in the commission have raised questions about its effectiveness and the government’s commitment to Dalit empowerment.
Congress leaders have echoed Gandhi’s concerns, demanding immediate action to fill the vacant positions in the NCSC. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh stated, “The Modi government’s failure to appoint officials to the NCSC is a calculated move to weaken the commission and dilute its impact. This is not just administrative negligence but a targeted attempt to marginalize Dalits.”
Dalit organizations and activists have also raised their voices, urging the government to prioritize the commission’s functioning. A senior activist from the Dalit Rights Forum said, “The NCSC is meant to be a watchdog for Dalit rights. If its key positions remain vacant, who will address the grievances of Scheduled Castes? This is a matter of social justice, and the government must act swiftly.”
In response to these allegations, BJP leaders have dismissed the claims, stating that the government remains committed to Dalit welfare. A BJP spokesperson clarified, “The appointment process is underway, and the opposition is unnecessarily politicizing the issue. The Modi government has done more for Dalit empowerment than any previous administration.”
Despite the BJP’s rebuttal, the issue has sparked a political debate, with Congress and other opposition parties planning to raise it in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, in his post, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts and ensure that the commission functions effectively in protecting Dalit rights. He further emphasized that any delay in appointments would be seen as a deliberate attempt to weaken constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes.
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