Is RJD MP Manoj Jha Right to Call PM Modi’s ‘Dalit Insult’ Charge Laughable?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Jha's rebuttal highlights the absurdity of PM Modi's claims.
- Jha emphasizes Lalu Yadav's commitment to Dr. Ambedkar's ideals.
- Political accountability regarding Dalit issues remains a contentious topic.
- PM Modi's selective outrage raises questions about his sincerity.
- The future of Dalit politics is under scrutiny in light of these remarks.
New Delhi, June 21 (NationPress) RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha on Saturday responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Dalit insult' accusation against the party leader Lalu Yadav, during his Bihar visit, deeming these claims as absurd.
During a rally in Siwan on Friday, PM Modi accused the RJD chief of showing disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and criticized the RJD for perpetuating a legacy of 'jungle raj' in the state. Reacting to these comments on Saturday, Jha stated, “At times, the Prime Minister makes ridiculous remarks. Maybe he aims to induce some laughter among the public. However, the individual he is criticizing dedicated his life to upholding Babasaheb Ambedkar’s principles.”
Furthermore, the RJD representative highlighted the Prime Minister’s previous silence regarding 'Dalit insults' made by Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament.
“The Home Minister had remarked in the House, ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, if someone invoked God’s name this frequently, they would’ve reached heaven.’ On that occasion, Mr. Prime Minister, you chose to stay quiet. Why this selective outrage now?” he questioned.
“I would like to add one last point; the blue scarf you donned in Bihar suddenly felt overly burdensome when you arrived in Odisha. That scarf, which bore a saffron stripe that diminished the dignity of the blue, was removed in front of Lord Jagannath. What changed? Did it become too heavy?” he further added.
During the rally in Siwan, PM Modi accused the opposition of undermining the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, through their dynastic politics.
“The RJD and its allies have disrespected Babasaheb and obstructed Bihar’s progress with their 'family first' approach,” PM Modi asserted while inaugurating and laying the foundation for development projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore.
He emphasized that Bihar would be pivotal in India’s journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.