Rahul Gandhi, the main opposition leader in India’s lower house, visited a Dalit family in Fatehpur on Friday. The trip came after a violent incident in neighboring Raebareli that left a Dalit man named Hariom Valmiki dead in a lynching over a theft claim.
Gandhi met the family members at their home for about thirty minutes. He spoke with reporters afterward, saying the family had been “locked in” and were “treated like criminals.” He condemned a recent suicide of a Dalit police officer, noting the broader problem of Dalits facing violence across the country.
“Their son and brother were murdered. They want justice,” Gandhi told reporters. “But the government keeps them inside at home, even a young girl inside needs surgery and can’t get it.” He urged the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to step in, say it’s time to protect the family, and take action against the actual perpetrators.
When asked about a video that showed the family looking hesitant to meet him, Gandhi dismissed it. He said the family had spoken with him, and the real issue is that they did nothing wrong. “We can’t let the police or the government threaten them. They are victims, not culprits,” he added.
Gandhi said the Congress party would continue to stand with Dalit families facing injustice. “Wherever Dalits are oppressed, the Congress will raise its voice,” he promised.
The visit sparked political tension. Large posters along Rahul’s route told voters “No politics, please. We’re satisfied with the government’s action.” Some Congress workers tore down those posters, saying the family had been pressured by officials to sign them.
Overall, Rahul Gandhi’s stop in Fatehpur was a clear statement of support for Dalits after a deadly lynching in Raebareli. He pledged Congress’s backing and warned the state government to act quickly and justly.
Source: ianslive
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