Dalits face disrespect across ranks, alleges Congress president Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused the central government of showing no respect for Dalit citizens, whether they are ordinary individuals or hold high positions.

Kharge was speaking in the context of two recent incidents: a lawyer attempting to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai in the Supreme Court, and the lynching of a Dalit man, Hariom Valmiki, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. Hariom was reportedly beaten to death by villagers who suspected him of theft after unverified rumors, highlighting the erosion of law and order in the state.

He demanded strict action against those who, in the name of “Manusmriti and Sanatana Dharma,” seek to curtail fundamental rights and disturb societal peace.

“A person claiming to be a lawyer tried to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice, citing religion. I have personally condemned this act, and so have Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The Prime Minister also condemned it, though belatedly,” Kharge said.

He urged the government to act decisively against the individual, warning that such ideologies threaten the fabric of society. Kharge lamented that the reaction from lawyers, political parties, and governments was limited, with only a few progressive states and leaders publicly condemning the act.

In Monday’s shocking incident, an elderly lawyer tried to hurl a shoe at Justice Gavai in his courtroom, shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma), before being restrained.

Citing both incidents, Kharge claimed that Dalits face widespread disrespect under the current government. “If even a Chief Justice can be insulted this way, imagine the condition of ordinary citizens or lower-ranking officials,” he said.

He stressed that the mindset behind such acts, which undermines human dignity and restricts women’s rights, has persisted even 78 years after independence. “Those invoking Manusmriti and Sanatana Dharma to snatch away fundamental rights must be punished. Anyone disturbing societal peace should face strict action,” he added.