Modi is anti-Dalit, anti-student: Rohith Vemula’s mother

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula's mother on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as being "anti-Dalit" and "anti-students".

Speaking during a protest here, organised by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and joined by senior Congress leaders at Jantar Mantar, Radhika Vemula said the death of her son was politicised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was an insult to her son.

"The way this whole issue was politicised by BJP and its ministers is an insult to my son. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is against students and Dalits," she said.

Radhika also thanked Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi for supporting her.

"I am thankful to Rahul Gandhi ji and Sonia Gandhi ji for fighting against the injustice done to my son. They (Congress) are not playing politics over my son's death. As a matter of fact, it is Rahul Gandhi who visited Hyderabad and supported me and gave assurance that he will fight till the end," she said.

Senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kumari Selja, Raj Babbar and Jitin Prasada were also present during the protest at Jantar Mantar.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh and other party leaders also raised the issue of Ishrat Jahan during the protest, and alleged former home secretary G.K. Pillai was now talking in favour of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Why didn't G.K. Pillai speak when he was at his post? The reason he is talking in favour of BJP now is he is now working for Gautam Adani Company," said Digvijaya Singh.

Demanding resignation of union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani, the IYC members tried to take their protest march to the Parliament House but security forces stopped them.

Some of the protestors burnt an effigy of Smriti Irani after managing to cross the barricades at Jantar Mantar. Police used water cannon and mild force to disperse them.

IYC president Amarinder Singh Raja attacked Smriti Irani, saying Rohit's death was not a suicide but a political murder.

"Rohith Vemula was not only his mother’s son but he was the son of the nation. We will fight till the last breath of our life for justice to Rohith Vemula," he said.