Jignesh Mevani, Gujarat MLA, has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi drop Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Anantkumar Hegde from his Ministry for his alleged remarks against Dalits. On Saturday, soon after a protest against him by Dalit groups, the Minister said he will remain undeterred by “barking dogs.” In a press statement issued on Monday, Mr. Mevani condemned the “vitriolic” statements made by Mr. Hegde.
“What the Minister has said is clearly a painful assault on the dignity and self-respect of Dalits of the country. This is also an offence under the Atrocities Act; and hence he should be arrested,” the statement said. “I also demand that the President of India, who is himself a Dalit, consider the seriousness of the remark,” he said.