Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani on Saturday delivered a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments at both state and central levels, accusing them of systemic negligence and hostility toward Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs.&nbsp;
Speaking at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Mevani alleged that the ruling BJP&rsquo;s ideology is deeply rooted in Manusmriti, not the Indian Constitution.
Mevani recounted numerous incidents of violence against marginalised communities &mdash; from Rohith Vemula&rsquo;s institutional murder to the Hathras rape case and brutal killings in Gujarat, Bihar, and elsewhere. He claimed that Dalits are routinely denied justice, with conviction rates in atrocity cases in Gujarat as low as 3&ndash;5%.
&ldquo;Manual scavengers still die in gutters. Victims of caste atrocities are murdered even after pleading for protection. The Gujarat government acts as if Dalit lives don&rsquo;t matter,&rdquo; he said.
Highlighting administrative apathy, Mevani noted that no Gujarat Chief Minister or Home Minister in 25 years has met victims&rsquo; families &mdash; barring a symbolic exception after the Una flogging case. He cited multiple recent cases where Dalits were raped, murdered, or attacked despite prior warnings, alleging police complicity and political cover-ups.
He condemned the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) for alleged caste-based discrimination in oral exams and criticised BJP leaders for making derogatory statements about Ambedkarite activists.
Turning to foreign policy, Mevani demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sudden ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, India&rsquo;s military response to a terror attack in Pahalgam last month.
&ldquo;Modi talks of a 56-inch chest, but after US intervention, operations stopped. What were the terms of the ceasefire? Why is America dictating terms between India and Pakistan?&rdquo; Mevani asked.
He challenged Modi to capture the remaining four terrorists by August 15, accusing the government of bowing to US pressure instead of prioritising national security.
Mevani&rsquo;s remarks follow similar concerns raised by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who accused Modi of acting under directions from former US President Donald Trump. Both leaders contrasted Modi&rsquo;s actions with former PM Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s refusal to capitulate during the 1971 war.

(Left) Jignesh Mevani and PM Narendra Modi (Right)

Mevani accuses BJP of caste bias, demands Modi explain US-influenced Sindoor ceasefire.

Mevani Slams BJP on Dalit Rights, Seeks Sindoor Clarity

Mevani accuses BJP of caste bias, demands Modi explain US-influenced Sindoor ceasefire.

June 7, 2025 | 17:37 IST